masque en poudre pâle
bien que nous cacher au monde
yeux révèle l’âme
pale powder mask
though we hide from the world
eyes reveal the soul
kat – 13 October 2013
A study in bilingual haiku for Haiku Horizon’s prompt: Mask
Mask Haiku
Trial’s Reward -A Haiku
those who persevere
know the sweetest of rewards,
calamity’s fruit
kat – 13 October 2016
Magnetic Poetry Monday – 10 October 2016
a little hope is all
it takes, a moment’s
promise on the wing,
a friendly smile,
a gentle touch to
make a heart
believe in love ❤️
kat ~ 10 October 2016
Hook, Line and Dairy Farming
Painting by Antos Frolka
Charles was quite pleased with himself. This was the third week that Pastor Smith had complimented him on his dairy farm and mentioned his prize bull, Luther, by name.
“I like that Pastor Smith, Henrietta. Can’t believe I waited so long to join you at Sunday Meeting. Why didn’t you tell he was such a nice fellow?”
“Well Charles, I never had very much in common with him, you know. Not that I don’t consider him a wonderful preacher. But you and he? I declare, you two are like long lost brothers!”
“I know what you mean. Amazing isn’t it?”
“Yes Charles, it certainly is amazing!” Henrietta beamed. Just a month previous, Charles wouldn’t have even considered going to church with her. But Pastor Smith changed all that.
“We’re planning a homecoming potluck in a few weeks ladies. Of course I am looking forward to sampling your wonderful cooking.” Pastor Smith smiled. “Be sure to invite your husbands,” he added, directing his attention toward Henrietta and others who came to church alone week after week. “And one more request. I need you to tell me the one thing that makes your husband most proud.”
Henrietta didn’t know if she should feel guilty for being part of such a ruse. “I suppose the end justifies the means,” she thought, “and it was Pastor Smith’s idea after all.” At any rate, she was thrilled to have her husband by her side each week.
Yes, a wise shepherd knows how to gather his flock before they realize they’re being gathered!
Kat ~10 October 2016
(256 Words)
A short story for Jane Dougherty’s Microfiction Challenge based on the painting, “On the Way to Church” by Antos Frolka.
Pumpkin Roll Bars
I am loving the first cool dry day of fall here in sunny Southwest Virginia! Time for baking an annual favorite, Pumpkin Roll Bars! I found the recipe on Pinterest a few years ago. You can see the original here.
I don’t veer too far from the original except on a few counts. These bars are best served cold so once they’ve cooled, cut them in squares and store in the frig.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Two mixing bowls
One 9 x 13 inch baking pan
Cooking Spray
Electric Mixer
Ingredients
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin
1/4 cup water
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Cream Cheese Filling
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In one bowl, cream the butter, sugars, pumpkin, water, eggs and vanilla on medium speed. Blend in the spices, baking sofa and baking powder. Finally, add the flour a cup at a time blending the cake mixture until smooth. The batter will be thick and paste-like in consistency.
In the second bowl blend the filling ingredients until smooth.
Spray the baking pan with non-stick spray and smooth two-thirds of the batter evenly. Add the filling and spread to the edges forming a second layer. Drop the remaining batter in dollops on top of the cream cheese layer. With a butter knife lightly swirl the dollops into the bottom two layers. (You don’t want to blend completely.)
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center of the cake springs back when touched. Cool completely in pan, then cut into bars. If you have any left, store in the ‘frig. Enjoy!
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