enjoying nibbles
but earthbound human disturbs
spring morning delight
disturbed by Angie Quantrell
Haiku Moment: disturbed
Category Archives: The Writing LIfe
Earth Day Wonder
What a beautiful world we inhabit! Creation is amazingly intricate. I am thankful for the wonder and adventure of experiencing God’s world.
Today I am reminded of my dad, who has a birthday on April 22. He would’ve been 84. I’ve only recently realized his birthday and Earth Day are the same day. He loved getting out in nature and often hauled us with him, whether we were exploring the Arizona desert, finding dirt roads leading up into the Cascades, or looking for dead snags to cut for firewood. Of course, that last one meant we the kids had to carry the logs back to the truck, and if dad had anything to do with it, he would cut something down a hill, meaning we would have to haul uphill. Every. Time.
Let’s celebrate and give thanks for our wondrous world. And while we’re at it, pick up a few extra pieces of trash, recycle what we can, and care for what is around us.
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. -Colossians 1:16-17 NIV
Happy Earth Day.
Haiku Moment: no typing allowed
work beckons fingers
but magnetic eyes lock on,
no typing allowed
no typing allowed by Angie Quantrell
Lily, the office assistant
Haiku Moment: spring fashion
cotton candy fluff
buzzy busy bees adorn
pink tree spring fashion
spring fashion by Angie Quantrell
Lateral A, Yakima Valley
I was inspired to write this haiku after I read this poem by Danna Smith.
Haiku Moment: gone
just last week I saw
beauty stretching from chaos
today empty holes
free blooms for taking
but leaving crushed leaves and trash
my eyes in despair
gone by Angie Quantrell
Yakima Valley
See the former beauty here.
From Houses to Cards
After my stamping buddy sent me her leftover kraft paper houses, I was inspired to dig out the stamping supplies and see what happened. Another friend from my teaching days had recently given me a stack of decorative papers. The ingredients from two friends plus my own collection combined to make the perfect recipe for these fun cards!
It is always a boost to start a new card project with ideas or the beginnings of the project. The houses and patterned paper were just right to kick off this crafting session.
I used thick cardstock, patterned paper, washi tape, sticky mesh, colored pencils, rubber stamps, ink, and a little glitter glue. I love the collage of all the materials. The creativity comes from playing with different pieces, rearranging them to find what works. I’m happy with the results. Nine houses, nine new cards.
Thanks for the idea and supplies, friends!
Haiku Moment: sings sweetly
unexpected joy
sings sweetly amidst carnage
that fails to dampen
sings sweetly by Angie Quantrell
Yakima Valley
Time for Chai (and a Picture Book)
I’m a tea lover, and I’ve enjoyed my fair share of chai tea. But once I read this picture book, I knew I had to follow the recipe for myself and make homemade chai.
Masala Chai, Fast and Slow
Written by Rajani LaRocca
Illustrated by Neha Rawat
Candlewick Press, 2023
I may have mentioned once or twice that I really enjoy reading picture books about food. Being able to learn about traditions and families and such deliciousness is a treat for my heart. Masala Chai, Fast and Slow plus deep sips from a pretty teacup. Ahhh.
I watched a webinar where Rajani was sharing about her picture book and masala chai. Thanks, 12×12! After I requested my library purchase a copy, I was the first one to check it out (I love that). I kept it out for the maximum of time. Later, I checked it out again. But this time (also nearing the maximum time=number of renewals I can do) I made sure to collect all the ingredients to steep my own masala chai.
The recipe makes quite a bit of chai, so I needed to make it on a weekend when I could share. Which is the point of masala chai. Sharing and connecting with family and friends.
I gathered the ingredients suggested by Rajani in the back matter recipe (I love it when recipes are included in a picture book, and back matter is the bomb): milk, black tea bags, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, whole cloves, fresh ginger, and sugar (or honey).
I decided to actually follow the recipe the first time around. Shocker, I know, since I usually wing it when trying new recipes. The resulting chai tea was delicious! Warm, spicy, fragrant. Ahhh. This recipe is a keeper. Good thing too, because I have a big bag of whole cardamom pods.
Masala Chai, Fast and Slow is delighfully tasty. I can’t wait to brew another batch.
Haiku Moment: hope
from dark and frigid
unseen grasps for blue and gold
hope springs eternal
hope by Angie Quantrell
Yakima Valley
A Valentine Haiku
no matter the size
whether carved, gathered, gifted
heart rocks rule the day
heart rocks by Angie Quantrell
Love, Laughter, and Life 