Kaylin McFarren's Blog - Posts Tagged "quotes"

"Dull November brings the blast,
Then the leaves are whirling fast."
- Sara Coleridge -

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

During the upcoming holidays, here's something to ponder. Often in life, while pursuing our dreams, we face uncertain moments that bring ceaseless sufferings; people will try to convince us to quit. At times like these you can choose to be weak and fall, by listening to what they say to you, or you can choose to be strong and walk tall towards your dream by ignoring them. Remember, no one writes our destiny but us. Let people advise you but never let anyone decide for you. And above all things you may do, think or choose in life - always be wise, for in wisdom, morals and strength are found.

Upcoming "Flaherty's Crossing" Book Signing Events: (Be sure to add these to your calendar!)

November 14th, 2010; 1 - 3pm
Sunset Fred Meyers, 22075 NW Imbrie Drive, Hillsboro, OR
November 18th, 2010; 1 - 3pm
Providence Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St., Portland, Oregon
November 20th, 2010; 1 - 3pm
Gresham Fred Meyers, 2497 SE Burnside Rd, Gresham, OR

Kaylin's Recommended Reads for November:

* Before You Know Kindness by Christopher Bohjalian - A timely and topical issue is raised when ardent animal rights activist Spencer McCullough is accidentally shot by his 12-year-old daughter, testing the values of all involved.
* Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin - David, an American expatriate in Paris, attempts to repress his homosexuality by proposing to Hella Lincoln, but finds that he is unable to continue to live a lie when he meets Giovanni, an Italian bartender.
* Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - After a nasty divorce, Gilbert, a journalist, spends a year traveling, rediscovering love (and food) in Rome, quieting her mind outside Mumbai, and mastering a balancing act of pleasure and grace in Bali.

"A tingling, misty marvel blew hither in the night and now the little peach-trees are clasped in frozen light. Upon the apple-branches an icy film is caught with trailing threads of gossamer in pearly patterns wrought. The autumn sun, in wonder, is gaily peering through this silver-tissued network across the frosty blue. The weather-vane is fire-tipped, the honeysuckle shows a dazzling icy splendor and crystal is the rose."

- Evaleen Stein, November Morning

Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Sausage, Apple & Cranberry Stuffing

This Thanksgiving stuffing is fantastic! It is very flavorful and fresh-tasting. This recipe will stuff a 10-pound turkey (which serves six) plus extra. I replaced the usual pork sausage with much healthier turkey sausage. Other dried fruits may also be used in place of cranberries.

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 cups cubed whole wheat bread
* 3 3/4 cups cubed white bread
* 1 pound ground turkey sausage
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 3/4 cup chopped celery
* 2 1/2 teaspoons dried sage
* 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 Golden Delicious apple, cored and chopped
* 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
* 1 cooked turkey liver, finely chopped
* 3/4 cup turkey stock
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F (175 degree C). Spread the white and whole wheat bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes in the preheated oven, or until evenly toasted. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the lumps until evenly browned. Add the celery, sage, rosemary, and thyme; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
3. Pour sausage mixture over bread in bowl. Mix in chopped apples, dried cranberries, parsley, and liver. Drizzle with turkey stock and melted butter, and mix lightly. Spoon into turkey to loosely fill.

So remember ... Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!

Kaylin
www.kaylinmcfarren.com

"It's never to late to become the person
you have always wanted to be." - Anne Sweeney

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

As you're all aware, the tradition of giving presents comes from the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus. When I was a kid, gifts were more modest than they are now; but even then, people were complaining about the commercialization of Christmas. Over the years, we've grown accustom to Black Friday sales and preseason decorations that bypass Thanksgiving altogether. Some of us are disheartened by this practice, but we need to recognize, with the sad state of our economy, Christmas sales have become the backbone of many businesses. Without this added revenue, stores would close permanently and many jobs would be lost. So the next time your find yourself grumbling over filled parking lots, harried shoppers, and long department store lines, try to hold onto the true meaning of Christmas in your heart and remember the faces of loved ones who will be opening and relishing your gifts on December 25th.

Quote of the Day:

"Most of our stress and suffering come not from events, but from our thoughts. Refrain from negative thoughts and stress subsides." - Martha Beck

Another review for Flaherty's Crossing:

"Kate Flaherty is at a crossroads in her young life. Her father is on his deathbed and she has many unresolved issues related to the early death of her mother and her father's subsequent emotional distance. When she has a car accident, it stimulates images that both disturb and threaten to stir up those same unresolved issues.

Kate's marriage is, likewise, in a shambles but both she and her husband appear open to reconciliation. When Kate is injured, her husband becomes involved and available - just what Kate was needing in her own hours of soul-searching related to her father's death.

Although the conflict resolutions are, at times, a bit predictable and simplistic, "Flaherty's Crossing" is an easy read that should appeal to many readers of suspense and romance. The main characters are very well developed." - Readers Favorite, Haweville, KY

Upcoming Flaherty's Crossing Book Signing Events:

December 4th, 2010 - 5:30pm - 9pm, Festival of the Trees Gala
Oregon Convention Center, Hall A, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland

December 7th, 2010 ; 7pm - 9pm, Writer's Faire - Book Sale and Signing
The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Avenue, Portland

Kaylin's Recommended Reads for December:

* Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg - When Ruth Thomas is diagnosed with rapidly metastasizing breast cancer, her best friend Ann Stanley shares doctor’s visits, funeral plans, and long talks about men, children, sex, the past, and the future. A memorable, absorbing read.
* Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler - This inspiring journey through the greatest stories ever told will forever change the reader’s view on some of history's most storied events.
* The Long Walk Home by Will North - A lyrical and tender love story of grief and hope set in the mountains of North Wales which leaves the main characters questioning issues of morality and fidelity.

A favorite holiday song:

The Greatest Gift Of All - Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers

Dawn is slowly breaking
Our friends have all gone home
You and I are waiting
For Santa Claus to come
There's a present by the tree
Stockings on the wall
Knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all

The fire is slowly fading
Chill is in the air
All the gifts are waiting
For children ev'rywhere
Through the window, I can see
Snow begin to fall
Knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all

Just before I go to sleep
I hear a church bell ring
Merry Christmas, ev'ryone
Is the song it sings
So I say a silent prayer
For creatures great and small
Peace on earth, goodwill to man
Is the greatest gift of all

Peace on earth, goodwill to man
Is the greatest gift of all

Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Candy Cane Swirl

Ingredients
1 oz. SKYY® Infusions Raspberry
3 oz. Red Cranberry juice
0.5 oz. Grenadine
0.5 oz. Grenadine
Lemon Lime soda

Directions
Rim martini glass with crushed candy cane. Combine SKYY Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and Grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Top with Lemon Lime Soda and garnish with small peppermint candy cane.

The Candy Cane Swirl is designed to add a simple, yet festive element to your larger holiday parties, utilizing familiar ingredients easily mixed in larger quantities. A vibrant red cocktail with a whimsical candy cane garnish, the Candy Cane Swirl is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

So remember ... Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!
Kaylin

"We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential." ~ Ellen Goodman

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

With the New Year unfolding its fresh virgin leaves, it's time to seriously consider (or in some cases, reconsider) that ambitious resolution you announced to your friends while heavily intoxicated or blinded by hope. Some individuals think choosing a resolution is much easier than attempting to keep it, but actually the goal you set at the beginning of the year has as much to do with your success as anything else in your life. That’s why it's wise to choose a New Year’s resolution you might actually fulfill. Keeping this in mind, here's a simple plan that might come in handy -- if not in 2011, then definitely in the years to come.
The four steps to choosing a successful resolution:

1. Choose a two-word resolution - Quit smoking; lose weight; go green, etc.
2. Include numbers and dates - Save $2,400 by December 31st; lose 25 lbs. by August 1st, etc.
3. Define how you're going to accomplish your resolution - Put $200 in a savings account every month; walk 40 minutes every night with my husband, etc.
4. Add why you want to achieve your goal - So that I can take that Hawaiian vacation; to fit into that cute size 8 dress...and so on.

You don’t want to create your New Year’s resolution in an effort to please someone else (because my boyfriend thinks I will look better; because my dad wants me to buy a house, etc.). Your resolution should be strictly for you, and adding a “because I” statement to your resolution will be the best way for you to articulate your personal motivation. So stay focused and follow through. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish!

Quote of the Day:

"I do think New Year's resolutions can't technically be expected to begin on New Year's Day, don't you? Since, because it's an extension of New Year's Eve, smokers are already on a smoking roll and cannot be expected to stop abruptly on the stroke of midnight with so much nicotine in the system. Also dieting on New Year's Day isn't a good idea as you can't eat rationally but really need to be free to consume whatever is necessary, moment by moment, in order to ease your hangover. I think it would be much more sensible if resolutions began generally on January the second." ~Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones's Diary

So what's on Kaylin's Horizon?

I'm currently involved with final editing on my latest creation -- an action, adventure romance titled Severed Threads. This fun, engrossing romp takes a group of unusual characters into treacherous waters, searching for a Chinese Emperor's lost merchant ship and the priceless treasure in her hold. Here's the synopsis, which just might perk your interest:

Believing herself responsible for her father's fatal diving accident, Rachel Lyons has withdrawn from the world and assumed a safe position at a foundation office. When called upon by a museum director to assist her former love interest with the recovery of a priceless artifact from a sunken galleon, she has no intention of cooperating - until her brother is kidnapped by a drug-dealing gangster. In order to save him and gain control over her own life, Rachel must not only overcome her greatest fears, but also relive the circumstances that lead to her father's death.

Would you like to read more? Visit my website at www.kaylinmcfarren.com and enjoy a tantalizing excerpt!

Kaylin's Recommended Reads for January:

* Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane - The political upheavals in Northern Ireland are the backdrop to the life of the young narrator, who tries to puzzle out the nature of love, the effects of violence, and the secrets his family carries.
* Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough - A marvelously readable biography of the young Theodore Roosevelt, from his birth through his marriage to Edith Carow and his unsuccessful run for mayor of New York. Winner of the National Book Award.
* Songs of the Gorilla Nation by Dawn Prince-Hughes - In her memoir, the author describes how her work observing and interacting with gorillas has helped her to cope with her form of autism -- Asperger's Syndrome.

Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

Yield - 4 servings

Ingredients:

* 2 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken
* 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
* 3 tablespoons Frank's® RedHot® Sauce
* 1/2 (17.3 ounce) package Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Stir the chicken, cheese and hot sauce in a medium bowl.
2. Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 10x14-inch rectangle.
3. With the short side facing you, spoon the chicken mixture down the center of the pastry. Fold 2 opposite sides of the pastry to the center over the filling and press to seal. Place the pastry, seam-side down, onto a baking sheet. Tuck the ends under to seal.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Cut the pastry in quarters to serve and enjoy!

So remember ... Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!

Kaylin

"The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within." - William C. Bryant

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

With the new year officially in full swing, aside from the blistering, knee-rattling cold, what does February hold in store for us? Here are some fun and interesting holiday facts.

February 1st - National Freedom Day: This day commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865 by President Lincoln.

February 2nd - Groundhog Day: Each year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, folks gather round to see if the groundhog will see it's shadow and if he does, there will be 42 more days of winter! Brrrr...

February 3rd - Chinese New Year: Red clothing wards away evil spirits and bad fortune. New clothing symbolizes starting the year anew. According to 2011 Year of the Rabbit predictions, many opportunities for communication gaffes are in the offing. Now if we could only understand what this means...

February 14th - Valentine's Day: The U.S. greeting card association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making this day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. And be sure to note, out of all the valentines sent, women purchase approximately 85 percent. So now we know who the romantics of the world are...

February 21st - President's Day: This day is set aside to observe and honor Washington's Birthday, the first U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln,and other US Presidents. For most, this is just another day off...

Out of all these holidays, Valentine's Day is, of course, the most celebrated. But does anyone know its true history? The holiday of Saint Valentines Day was originally a day to celebrate two Saint Valentines: Valentine of Rome, and Valentine of Terni - both martyred in the early second and third centuries. Distinction between these two saints no longer exists, but many stories exist explaining the original saint. One such story explains that Valentine (no proof as to which one) was arrested and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II, who tried to get Valentine to convert to roman paganism. Valentine refused and tried to convert the emperor to Christianity. He was then executed, but not before healing his captor's blind daughter.

No romantic association originally existed, but according to modern created legends, Roman Emperor Claudius II made a law stating that all men must remain single. Valentine performed marriage ceremonies for couples secretly anyway. He was eventually discovered and arrested. But before he was killed, he wrote the first valentine to his captor's daughter and his true love, who he had healed. It was signed, “From your Valentine.”

In Ancient Rome, a holiday called Lupercalia was celebrated from February 13th- February 15th, promoting fertility. Some believe that Valentine's Day began as a Christianized version of Lupercalia. In 1400, Paris established the “High Court of Love” on February 14th to protect women. This is believed to be when Valentines day began to be celebrated as a loving day. Interesting?!?

Quote of the Day: (One of my favorites)

"The hours I spend with you I look upon as sort of a perfumed garden, a dim twilight, and a fountain singing to it. You and you alone make me feel that I am alive. Other men it is said have seen angels, but I have seen thee and thou art enough." ~ George Moore

Contest Time! So what's Kaylin got up her sleeve this month?

A chance to win a Free Kindle!! Send your favorite Irish joke, limerick or poem to kaylin@kaylinmcfarren.com and on March 17th (St. Paddy's Day), the winning entry will receive a free Kindle valued at $189... the perfect wireless reading device to download and enjoy your copy of Flaherty's Crossing.

Kaylin's Recommended Reads for February:

* A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest Gaines - When a Cajun farmer is murdered outside the home of an elderly black plantation worker, several other aging black men of the plantation and the white woman who owns it rally around, each claiming to be guilty of the murder.

* Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer - A young Jewish American travels to the Ukraine in the hope of finding the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis.

* The Good Husband by Gail Godwin - Now in her 60s and dying of ovarian cancer, English professor Magda Danvers and her husband befriend another couple, whose marriage is also beset by adversity. Although the subject sounds depressing, this is an uplifting story.

Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Fresh Lobster Salad

Ingredients (4 Servings)

* 1 pound cooked lobster meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Place the lobster chunks into a medium bowl, and pour the melted butter over. Toss to coat, then stir in mayonnaise and season with black pepper. Cover and chill for 20 minutes before serving.

2. Serve on toasted rolls or croissants. You won't be disappointed!

Note: A delicious treat anytime! A simple lobster salad with butter and just a hint of mayonnaise so that you can still taste the sweet lobster meat. Yum!

So remember ... Stay positive, give happiness away, and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!

Kaylin

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." ~ Charles Dickens

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

Ah...March madness is upon us, and what a crazy month it is! Anticipation ushers us forward, the past holds us back. Only during this time of year can you bask in the sun's glorious warmth, applaud pink buds beneath new leaves, then cringe as they're crushed by a blanket of new-fallen snow.

In this same vein, life often mimics nature. It drops us into pitfalls as we tread along worn paths. It leaves us stuck in ruts, running in endless circles, accomplishing little in a broad span of time. But if we chose to disregard ill-gotten practices and, instead, blaze new roads - fueling our journey with imagination and positive energy - we can alter our destiny. We can regain control of our lives and find slivers of sunshine beneath even the darkest clouds.

So be brave! Individuals, who once tip-toed around you, will soon recognize your ambition, your intuitiveness, your well-earned praise. They in turn will seek out your guidance and the source of your fresh, ingenious beam.

Quote of the Day: (From a great Irishman)

I often sit back and think, “I wish I'd done that", and find out later that I already have. ~ Richard Harris

Ah...but hold on! It's not too late to enter Kaylin’s "Luck of the Irish" Contest or to win a free Kindle with no strings attached!! Simply send your favorite Irish joke, limerick or poem (extra points for originality) to kaylin.kaylinmcfarren.com before March 16th. The winning entry will be selected on St. Paddy's Day, and this lucky soul - whoever they might be - will receive a free Kindle valued at $189...the perfect wireless reading device to download and enjoy your copy of Flaherty's Crossing. So what are you waiting for? Submit your entry today!

Kaylin's Recommended Reads for March:

* The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchett - When her magician husband dies unexpectedly of an aneurysm, 40-year-old Sabine discovers that he had a family and a tumultuous past that he never shared with her.
* Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell - As World War II comes to an end, the members of three different cultures in Northern Italy—Catholics, Jews, and the occupying Germans—must make difficult choices in order to survive.
* My Dream of You by Nuala O'Faolain - Kathleen, a travel writer, has long been estranged from her family and native Ireland; now nearing 50, mourning the death of a close friend, she returns to Ireland to make peace with her family and research a 150-year-old mystery.

Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Irish Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients

* 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
* 3 cups water
* 1 cup chopped celery
* 2 onions, quartered
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
* 5 carrots, sliced
* 1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas
* 4 potatoes, quartered
* 3 cups baking mix
* 1 1/3 cups milk

Directions

1. In large, heavy pot, combine soup, water, chicken, celery, onion, salt, poultry seasoning, and pepper. Cover and cook over low heat about 1 1/2 hours.
2. Add potatoes and carrots; cover and cook another 30 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from pot, shred it, and return to pot. Add peas and cook only 5 minutes longer.
4. Add dumplings. To make dumplings: Mix baking mix and milk until a soft dough forms. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto BOILING stew. Simmer covered for 10 minutes, then uncover and simmer an additional 10 minutes.

So remember ... Stay positive, give happiness away, and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month and a happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Kaylin

“April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks go.”
- Christopher Morley, John Mistletoe

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

Is it really April? Apparently so! Not entirely sure where February and March went, however, between travel, family obligations, and community functions, I’ve been a bit too busy to notice. And isn’t it amazing how many clocks you find in your home when it’s time to Spring them forward? They seem to be in every room in the household…on every appliance…on every ten foot wall. It usually takes a few days to finally get them in order. But have you ever wondered what actually happens to that precious hour we lost? Could it be floating around in the atmosphere — just waiting for Fall to roll back around? Hovering in another dimension until it’s rediscovered? Now just imagine for a moment if we could accumulate that lost hour on a daily basis and eventually get them all back in one fell swoop. Ah, the extra hours we could sleep in…the blistery Winter days we could forgo…

Quote of the Day:

“Hail in the Spring, a start of new beginnings. Creativity awe-inspiring gives a reason to be living. Plant life showing life anew, a wonder to be found. New born lambs playing in the fields, birds nesting all around. People enjoying the sun and the warmth, feeling good to be alive. Spring gives a purpose to our lives, a touch of Paradise.” - Kay M. Sutton, Bring in the Spring

Congratulations to Chuck E. Otto for winning Kaylin’s “Luck of the Irish” Contest…

…and a free Kindle valued at $189… The perfect wireless reading device to download and enjoy your copy of Flaherty’s Crossing. And here’s his winning entry:

St Peter’s Quiz:

A petty thief, a teacher and a lawyer died in a plane crash and met up at Heaven’s gates. When they got there, they were stopped by St. Peter.

“Sorry, it’s extremely crowded at the moment,” he said. “If you want to get in, you’ll each need to answer one question correctly.”

They all shook their heads in agreement. Then St. Peter looked at the teacher and asked her, “What was the name of the famous ocean-liner that sank after hitting an iceberg?”

“Oh, that’s easy,” the teacher replied. “The Titanic.”

“That’s right! You may enter.” Next he turned to the petty thief and figuring Heaven didn’t REALLY need all the aggravation this guy would bring with him decided to make the question a little harder. “How many people died on the ship?” he asked.Fortunately for him, the thief had just seen the movie. “One thousand two hundred and twenty eight,” he answered.

St. Peter stepped aside and allowed him to pass. Then he turned to the lawyer and said, “Name them.”

Kaylin’s Recommended Reads for April:

* Red Azalea by Anchee Min -This powerful memoir, set in China, tells of growing up during the Cultural Revolution, “where the soul was secondary to the state, beauty was mistrusted, and love could be punishable by death.” A New York Times Notable Book.

* When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka – A nameless Japanese-American family is sent to a Utah internment camp during World War II. Their emotional devastation is revealed in spare, haunting prose that draws the reader into the story.

* Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers – Harriet Vane returns to Oxford University just as a rash of unpleasant incidents occur, including poison pen letters, obscene graffiti, and burning effigies. Harriet, along with her paramour and partner Lord Peter Wimsey, try to find the culprit before the odd events turn deadly.

Kaylin’s Recipe of the Month: Caprese-Style Herbed Strata

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Baking Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted plus more for greasing pan
* 6 large slices of sturdy bread (about 1/2-inch thick)
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped
* 1/2 cup basil, finely chopped
* 4 large eggs
* 2 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Line the bottom of the dish with about 3 slices of bread. You will need to cut some slices to make sure the bottom is entirely covered. Spread half of the sun dried tomatoes and all of the basil on top of the bread. Sprinkle half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining pieces of bread, sun dried tomatoes and cheese.

2. In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture over the bread layers. Gently press down bread to insure that bread is fully submerged. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or even better overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake strata until golden and bubbly, about an hour. Allow dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving. For a Provencal twist, use olive tapenade instead of sun-dried tomatoes. Both are equally good!

So remember … Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty’s Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!

Kaylin

"Optimism is a cheerful frame of mind that enables a tea kettle to sing though it's in hot water up to its nose."


Dear Friends and Avid Readers:

After experiencing the loss of family members, friends and business associates to cancer over the past few years, my husband and I recognized the need for preventative medicine rather than focusing on aftercare. Together, with Governor Kitzhaber, Senator Merkley, Senator Wyden, State Treasurer Ted Wheeler, Lynn and Dave Frohnmayer and many like-minded individuals in our community, we''re seeking ways to raise awareness and to direct our fund-raising efforts toward expanded research and the care and treatment of cancer patients and their families.

This year, ticket sales and profits from our upcoming Artful Giving Blanket Concert will benefit Portland’s Providence Cancer Center. The official site for this event will be held on the grounds of our 15-acre estate in Troutdale, Oregon on Saturday, July 16th 11am – 6pm. With KATU Anchor - Steve Dunn as our presiding MC, musical entertainment will be highlighted by Aaron Meyer, Linda Hornbuckle, Sonny Hess and Northwest Women Rhythm and Blues, Patrick Lamb, and Curtis Salgado. Nearly two dozen local artists will display their artwork for purchase, and complimentary food and beverages will be provided by Duck Pond Winery and ten of Portland's finest restaurants, including Morton's, El Gaucho and Portland City Grill.

Together, we can make a difference by improving the quality of life for families affected by this indiscriminate disease. Visit www.artfulgiving.net and be sure to make plans to attend this exciting event!


Quote of the Month:

"It is not intelligence alone that brings success, but also the drive to succeed, the commitment to work hard, and the courage to believe in yourself. Know that your dreams must come from your heart's deepest desires. Only then will the barriers come down before you. To know your heart, you must know yourself. You are who you decide to be, not who other people decide for you to be. Be noble. Stand on the higher ground. Create your life and then go out and live it." --- Unknown


Recommended Reads:

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters. Set in the 1940′s, on the eve of the NHS in rural England, a Doctor visits an old stately manor to see a maid who was complaining of stomach pains. When Dr. Farrady dug a little further it turned out that the maid wasn’t ill at all but trying to get sent home as she was afraid of things “going bump in the night” (and day!) in the house. Farrady strikes up a friendship with the house members (of whom there are only 3 left) and becomes embroiled in some very strange goings on. The real taking point is at the end of the book. It appears that Waters has left her readers to make up their own minds about what was really going on in the house but there are some great theories flying around that makes this a good read for debate.


Blindness by Jose Saramago. This book is amazing, incredible and breathtaking. The story starts with a man in his car at traffic lights who goes suddenly blind. He is helped home by a stranger, who a few hours later also goes blind. Within a few days the blindness has spread round half the city and also those afflicted are herded up by the government into a disused mental asylum and left alone. The wards quickly become overrun with filth and chaos ensues. In the middle of this, though, we get to know a handful of characters very well and it is really their story that we follow through the never-ending days, lack of food and riots. The whole story is told through long paragraphs of uubroken text. There are no quotation marks, hardly any punctuation and none of the characters are given names. But it works!


Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind. This is one of the weirdest books I have ever read but also one of the best. Survivor, genius, perfumer, killer: this is Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. He is abandoned on the filthy streets of 17th century Paris as a child, but grows up to discover he has an extraordinary gift: a sense of smell more powerful than any other human’s. Soon, he is creating the most sublime fragrances in all the city. Yet there is one odor he cannot capture. It is exquisite, magical: the scent of a young virgin. And to get it he must kill. And kill. And kill.


Kaylin's Favorite May Recipe: Corn Bread Cobb Salad (Yummy!)

Corn bread croutons add a kid-friendly, Southern spin to this classic salad. This recipe will yield enough for a picnic potluck or a light family dinner and lunch the next day.

Ingredients:

* FOR THE CROUTONS:
* 2 cups cubed corn bread, preferably day-old
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Coarse salt and pepper


* FOR THE DRESSING:
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper
* 3 tablespoons olive oil


* FOR THE SALAD:
* 3 hearts romaine lettuce, shredded
* 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
* 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
* 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
* 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced
* 1-1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
* 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) Monterey Jack or Cheddar, shredded

Directions:

1) Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In a medium-size bowl, toss the corn bread with the oil, and salt and pepper to taste, until the cubes are well coated. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, turning once with a spatula, about 8 minutes. Set the croutons aside.

Tip: Croutons can be made the day before and stored in a ziplock bag until ready to use.

2) In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle in the oil and continue whisking until the dressing has thickened. Add the lettuce to the bowl and toss to coat it with the dressing. Transfer the lettuce to a serving platter.

3) Arrange the chicken, eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, red onion (if using), and cheese over the lettuce. Season the salad with more salt and pepper, if you like. Serves 6 to 8.


Here's a little something to make your smile:

An Irishman had been drinking at a pub all night. The bartender finally said that the bar is closing. So the Irishman stood up to leave and fell flat on his face. He tried to stand one more time; same result. He figured he'll crawl outside and get some fresh air and maybe that will sober him up.

Once outside he stood up and fell flat on his face. So he decided to crawl the 4 blocks to his home. When he arrived at the door he stood up and again fell flat on his face. He crawled through the door and into his bedroom. When he reached his bed he tried one more time to stand up. This time he managed to pull himself upright, but he quickly fell right into bed and is sound asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. He was awakened the next morning to his wife standing over him, shouting, "So, you've been out drinking again!!"

"What makes you say that?" he asked, putting on an innocent look.

"The pub called -- you left your wheelchair there again."


So remember ... Stay positive, give happiness away, and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!
Kaylin

"Everything in nature is lyrical in its ideal essence, tragic in its fate, and comic in its existence." - George Santayana

Dear Friends and Avid Readers:

Life is full of choices. We can view the ending of a chapter in our lives as just that -- an end. Or we can view it as the beginning of the next chapter, brimming with possibilities for new experiences, opportunities, challenges and rewards. After spending years behind the scene, applauding my husband's and children's triumphs, I recently choose the latter point of view. Certainly I've enjoyed the amazing journey I have spent in everyone's blossoming life. I've been fortunate in developing long-lasting relationships with business, civic and political leaders from all over the world. But a time comes in our lives when we need to reexamine our personal goals -- our hopes, dreams...ambitions. We need to remember that it’s never too late to become the person we could have been. To not let time become our enemy. Not as long as there's a door within reach -- a soul-satisfying opportunity just waiting to be found. True success and accomplishment involves taking risks, discovering true potential, and leaving our indelible mark in this world. So why sit alone on a footstool when you can shoot for the stars?

Quote of the Month:

"It is the month of June, the month of leaves and roses. When pleasant sights salute the eyes, and pleasant scents the noses." - Nathaniel Parker Willis

Fun June Facts and Beliefs:

June marks the beginning of Summer in the northern hemisphere and the month of the Wimbledon tennis tournament in England.

June is the sixth month of the year and takes its name from the Roman goddess Junno, the goddess of marriage. For this reason, June has always been looked upon as the best month in which to marry:

The flower for June is the red rose. The red rose is the symbol of:love.

The rose also has a special importance on Midsummer's Eve.

At different times during June there are ceremonies called well dressings. Springs and wells of fresh water that come from the underground streams have always seem to be magical things, so some wells are honored with decorations.
These decorations consist of branches of greenery and amazingly beautiful pictures made of flower petals and moss.

The official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II is marked each year on June 13th by a military parade and march-past, known as Trooping the Color (Carrying of the Flag)

The longest day of the year is June 21st or 22nd. It is the day when the sun is at its most northerly point and this is why it is "the longest day". In Wiltshire, there is a circle of huge stones at a place called Stonehenge, and hundreds of people go there to watch the sun rise on June 21st.

Midsummers Day, June 24th, is a time associated with witches, magic, fairies and dancing.

On the eve of Midsummer's Day, many bonfires used to be burnt all over the country. This was in praise of the sun, for the days were getting shorter and the sun appeared to be getting weaker, so people would light fires to try and strengthen the sun.

Midsummer's Superstitions:

Roses are of special importance on Midsummer's Eve. It is said that any rose picked on Midsummer's Eve, or Midsummer's Day will keep fresh until Christmas. At midnight on Midsummer's Eve, young girls should scatter rose petals before them and say:

Rose leaves, rose leaves,
Rose leaves I strew.
He that will love me
Come after me now.

Then the next day, Midsummer's Day, their true love will visit them.

Recommended Reads:

Beneath a Marble Sky: A Love Story by John Shors. While historians agree that the Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in the seventeenth century who was grieving the loss of his wife, the true details surrounding this story have been lost. Shors imagines them in Beneath a Marble Sky, bringing to life a story of love, war, beauty and tragedy.

Tiny Sunbirds, Far Away by Christine Watson. Watson's nuanced portrayal of daily life in Nigeria is peopled with flawed but tenacious characters who fight not only for survival but for dignity. Blessing is a wonderful narrator whose vivid impressions enliven Watson's sensual prose.

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. This is a controversial and heart-wrenching story of a family with two daughters. The second, Willow, was born with brittle bone disease, a condition that makes her bones break easily and that limits her height and movement. When Willow is four, her parents decide to sue their OB for "wrongful birth," claiming that Willow's condition should have been diagnosed earlier in the pregnancy so that they could have had an abortion.

A Favorite June Recipe: Kaylin's Lime Chicken Rice

This tasty, colorful dish can be served with chicken and is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. The piquant flavors blend into the rice perfectly. A delicious and delightful dish that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients:

Marinade
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil
salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (4 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast half - cut into bite-size pieces

Rice
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 onion, chopped
2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tomatoes - peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped
salt to taste
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 lime, juiced
2 bay leaves
1 cup chicken stock
1 1/2 cups water
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Directions:

Mix olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss chicken in marinade, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; cook chicken and set aside. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and cook garlic and onion until translucent. Stir in jalapeno, chopped tomatoes, salt, and turmeric; cook for 2 minutes to soften tomato. Stir in the rice, mixing thoroughly. Stir in half of the lime juice, bay leaves, chicken stock, water, and cooked chicken. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, then cover and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice has cooked. Remove from heat, discard the bay leaves; stir in the remaining lime juice and cilantro.

Here's a little something to make your smile:

A Cork travel agent looked out through his window to see an old lady and an old man gazing longingly at his display of posters for exotic holiday resorts. As a publicity gimmick he decided to offer them a free round-the-world cruise with all expenses paid. When they returned some months later he asked the old lady if they had enjoyed themselves.

"Wonderfully," she replied, "but tell me one thing, who was that old man I had to sleep with every night?"

So remember ... Stay positive, give happiness away, and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!
Kaylin

www.kaylinmcfarren.com

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

Dear Friends and Avid Readers:

The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them. For the past forty-two years, my husband has lived by this philosophy. He's become an established businessman, a generous philanthropist, and has been recognized with numerous awards by both charitable and business organizations. His life continues to inspire the young and old alike, and it all began with a dream for a better life in America – a dream that often seemed impossible with our struggling economy. Somehow he went from living in his car and nearly dying of starvation to owning a multi-million dollar conglomerate. He currently travels the world as a motivational speaker and has been honored not only by the heads of State, but also by Japan’s foreign minister.

He's often asked, “What is the secret to your success? What sets you apart from other people who share common dreams, noteworthy talents, unique and original products?” He explains that it’s ultimately the willingness to take a chance. To risk everything you have – to put everything on the line in order to see your dreams realized. But success is not always measured by monetary gains. It often comes from standing out in your community...taking a chance on others - giving of your time, your knowledge, your strengths. Pay it forward whenever the opportunity makes itself known and your rewards will be far greater than you ever imagined.

Quote of the Month:

"The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live." - Leo F. Buscaglia

A Nasty Case Of Arthritis:

A man flopped down on a subway seat next to a priest. The man's tie was stained, his face was smeared with red lipstick, and a half-empty bottle of gin was sticking out of his torn coat pocket. He immediately opened a newspaper and began reading. After a few minutes, he turned to the priest and asked, "Say, Father, what causes arthritis?"

"Loose living, cheap wicked woman, too much alcohol and contempt for your fellow man," answered the priest.

"I'll be damned," the drunk muttered, then returned to his paper.

The priest, suddenly regretting what he had said, nudged the man and sincerely apologized. "I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to be so harsh. How long have you had arthritis?"

"Oh, I don't have it, Father," the drunk answered. "But it says here the Pope does."

Recommended Reads:

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. If you're a dog lover, you'll need to keep a box of Kleenex close at hand. Edgar Sawtelle is a boy who is born mute in the late 1950s. His family has created their own breed of Sawtelle dogs, and they breed and train the dogs on their farm in Wisconsin. Suffice it to say there is tragedy and mystery wrapped into Edgar's coming of age tale.

Paint it Black by Jane Fitch. Paint it Black is another strong introspective into a woman's reaction to exacting circumstances. Just as in White Oleander, Fitch once again presents us with a headstrong heroine with unique characteristics that a reader can often empathize with yet question. Fitch fans won't be disappointed, but be warned as the melodrama unfolds very, very slowly. Aptly titled, Paint in Black draws the reader into Josie's hazy, desolate world and leaves you breathless.

Midwives by Chris Bohjalian. Sybil Danforth, an uncertified lay midwife in rural Vermont, gets into trouble when she performs an emergency Caesarian on a minister's wife. Sybil's daughter, Connie, looks back to 1981 to tell the story of the murder trial.

A Favorite July recipe: Kaylin's Grilled Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
2 Vidalia onions, thickly sliced
4 large mushroom caps, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
hot sauce to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Place chicken breast halves in a large re-sealable plastic bag with lemon juice, olive oil, and lemon pepper. Shake to coat, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preheat a grill for high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the Vidalia onions and mushrooms on the grill, and cook until lightly charred on both sides; set aside. Place chicken onto the grill, and discard marinade. Cook for 15 minutes, turning once, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool, and chop.

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the onions, mushrooms, chicken, and mayonnaise. Season with hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Cover, and refrigerate until serving.

Upcoming Author Events:

July 16th, 11am - 5pm: Artful Giving Blanket Concert featuring Aaron Meyer, Linda Hornbuckle, Northwest Women Rhythm and Blues, Curtis Salgado and Soul Vaccination; Yoshida Estate, Troutdale, Oregon; books and tickets available on-line at www.soulfulgiving.org

July 24th, 4pm - 6pm: Wilsonville Fred Meyer Store - Grand Opening; Old Town Square, SW Boones Ferry Road; co-signing with Kristina McMorris, daughter and author of "Letters From Home"

July 30th, 11am-6pm: 3rd Annual NW Book Festival, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland

So remember ... Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!

Kaylin
www.kaylinmcfarren.com

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."
~Erma Bombeck


Dear Friends and Avid Readers:

Time can be our greatest enemy. And in my case, it's the most frustrating culprit of all. There simply aren't enough hours in the day to oversee a non-profit foundation, travel abroad, maintain two households, appear at social events, assist in community fund-raising, interact with family members, and complete final edits on my second book. So I ask your patience, indulgence and understanding as I adjust my monthly outpourings to a quarterly newsletter. If you chose to keep your subscription, I promise to make each and every issue worth the wait.


In the meantime, have a wonderful summer and remember...today is the last day of some of your life, so make it unforgettable.


All my best wishes,

Kaylin