Dinner's Always Ready Scrapbook Layout Pages

 "dinner's always ready" scrapbook layout pages

for The Heritage Cookbook Photo crapbook

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

This photo is of my Dad's brother Lowell and his wife Louise celebrating their anniversary. I paper and embellishments along with the recipes just pop on this page. I am not a huge fan of stickers simply because I have never really known how to use them but I thought they worked well on this page. I have only been seriously scrapbooking for just over a year and I am still learning so much. It is important since this is a cookbook that the pages lay flat, so it is hard for this mix media artist who loves to embellish and bling AND layer NOT to add lots of things to the pages! However, KISS is best (keeping it simple sweetie)!! =)

Question: Will I ever cook all these recipes? Probably not...but I think my sprapbooking will rotate around this theme by combining food/recipes with photos since our society revolves everything around food but who knows, probably not LOL...This is such a fun project...I am having a blast and planning some shadow boxes for my new kitchen where I can rotate pages each month or quarter so I can see the pages ever so often...that will be so much fun...maybe like a prayer wall too, where I can remember the family of those who are featured and share the good memories of those featured with my family...I love it...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Grilled Cake? Will maybe not...

 When I added the grilling stickers to these pages along with cake recipes, I second thought the embellishments but then I didn't think my cousin Tommy would appreciate being layered with coconut fluff, I know I wouldn't. So, the grill with the man's man meat just balanced with the cake reflecting the sweet ladies in his life whom I absolutely adore as I do him. I noticed on his daughter's senior portrait that she and I share something, we write our letters with the same flair the same way! I had no idea...I see which side we get the artistic abilities from now. =) I love love this paper, the earth tones just pop. The coconut cake recipe is pretty old and when I was mating it I had to be very careful because the paper was fragile, which was the case with many of the recipes. I was glad to get a lot of them mated onto white cardstock before working on this project. I figured I could cut them down to the recipe trim if I wanted a different back ground for the recipe but getting them mated as soon as possible to preserve them was so very important. So if you have recipes that are very old, I encourage you to do this soon so that they won't continue to spiral down hill and one day fall apart when you pick them up. You can also purchase some spray to keep them from yellowing but I like this aspect of them and since I have them in a book that will keep them from regular daylight, I don't think the yellowing process will be a problem. I can't tell you how much FUN I am having do this!!! Loving it...

If you have photos and recipes, I take commission work as well and you can add the journaling to the project...I will even help you with the organization...this is both respite and fun for me...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}}!!!
Rita
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Happy Birthday, Joel!

Happy Birthday to Joel!!

Today, our son, Joel, is 22 yrs old...

It is an exciting age to be...

One full of adventure, love and passion...

with time to see opportunities to write and create...

to be unique and who you are without being conformed to

what others think you should be...

You live for life and happiness and it shows in your smile...

You work hard and stand for faith and honesty...

You give to those in need and stand up for those who can't

stand up for themselves...

You love your family and friends

and laugh true and deep...
Happy Birthday, Joel...

We love you so very much!!!

Hugs...

Mom, Dad, Garrett, Ethan and Chocolate...

Celebrations Scrapbook Page Layouts

"celebration" scrapbook page layouts from

"The Heritage Cookbook Photo Album Scrapbook"

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

(I apologize now for the poor photograph of...well the photographs lol)

 I love the stories my daddy has told about he and his siblings growing up...

I have thought about the recipes in this book, but I don't know that I will cook

many of them since we don't usually eat them...but I do love reading them...

That is why I collect all types of cookbooks especially vintage cookbooks.

I got one from a thrift store recently that has ingredients like "lard"...amazing...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs))),

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Fancy Men's Meat Kabobs with Fruits & Veggies with Fat-Free Italian Salad Dressing

Kabobs with dinner sausage, thick ham, sweet fruit, green vegetable,

seasoned with a little black pepper and soy sauce

then marinated in fat-free Italian salad dressing...

fancy for the men in my life...but they loved it...

These are pretty simple and ingredients obvious (I used left over veggies from Easter lunch too), but I do get my meats from Schwans, be sure to tell them I sent you. Contrary to what most believe, they aren't expensive and they deliver right to your door for only $1 more than your order, which has no minimum. I love it because I get quality meat for the guys. I eat a vegan diet on a regular diet but do enjoy grilled salmon or a wonderful grilled moist chicken breast on very special occasion if Doc prepares them. However, I do cook for the guys in the healthiest way possible and this happens to be one of them. Don't tell them, because they think they are getting a lot of meat, when they really don't...LOL...2 kabobs per guy...not bad...be sure to soak the kabobs in water before stringing them up so they won't burn in the oven or on the grill...enjoy...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

A Bushel for the Family Scrapbook Layout Pages

 "a bushel for the family" scrapbook layout pages

from "The Heritage Cookbook Photo Album Scrapbook"

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

I loved these old photos of my aunt Gladys Hutcheson. She was always

such an elegant lady and a hard worker. My dad said that they never had to

worry about their work clothes being ready for them each morning, 

because they were laid out waiting for them, clean and mended...

When my grandmother died, I was only 2 yrs old, but I remember

Aunt Gladys caring for my grandfather the rest of his life...

She was indeed a treasure to our family...

I remember visiting and drinking from colored aluminium glasses...

do you remember those? I thought they were the coolest things...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs))),

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Sluttin' Crockpot Sister Pimping Thick Rich Fresh Vegetable Soup Recipe

Thick Rich Fresh Vegetable Soup Recipe

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

& my Sluttin' Crockpot Sister

the Diva Queen of Pimping Food! =)

OMGosh!! There are so many wonderful fresh vegetables in this rich thick soup that I am bound to leave something off this list so if you see something in the photo or have something that you think will absolutely be mouth watering, throw it in the pot...you can't go wrong, promise! The flavors of the vegetables is the seasoning for the soup! I only added a super tiny bit of salt and pepper and well, a scoop of minced garlic, but wow, I tasted the broth and it was fabulous~(singing the last word)...loving it so here goes in what I pulled out of the fridge, already cut up and prepared for salads so it eliminated prep time...

Ingredients...

2 cup of diced fresh Roma or plum tomatoes

1 cup of green fresh onions

1 cup of cauliflower fresh florets

1 cup of broccoli fresh florets

1 cup diced fresh celery (I slice mine off the stalk)

1 cup of shredded fresh green cabbage

1 cup of chopped or shredded fresh carrots

1 cup of chopped fresh mushrooms

1 cup of chopped fresh fresh zucchini

1 cup of diced yellow fresh squash

1/4 cup fresh kernel corn (You can add more, I only add this for color)

1/2 cup fresh English peas

1/2 cup fresh green beans

4 cups of vegetarian broth

2 large table spoons of minced garlic

1 whole fresh onion, sliced

salt, pepper, dill to taste

1. Spray a large crockpot with non-stick cooking spray and place all the ingredients except the onion and the seasoning inside the crockpot.

2. Then pour the broth over all the ingredients and add the onion on top.

3. Cook on high for 2 hours and then turn to low and continue to cook for 4 hours.

This soup is best when the vegetables are still a little crunchy...serve alone or with tortilla shells. Ummmyyyy...I made turkey sausage kabobs with fruit for the guys in my house but next time I plan to make tofu kabobs with fruit and veggies that I didn't use in the soup...I know it will be amazing....

Enjoy...

Love, Blessings & {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Circle of Three Scrapbook Layout Pages

 "circle of three" scrapbook layout pages

from "The Heritage Cookbook Photo Album Scrapbook"

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

I just loved the character and spirit that my Aunt Louise and Uncle Lowell

brought with them wherever they were. My cousin Tommy has

carried that same treasure on and when I think of Tommy

or any of the Hutcheson family I think of their gift for

entrepreneurship as businessmen and businesswomen,

farmers and the careers they chose...they were successful

and pulled from inter strength and faith pressing forward toward

the goal set before them...such a blessing to have that example in my life.

I hope you are enjoying a glimpse this week of some of the pages I have

been working on...I am having such fun...=)

 Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs))),

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Remembrance Scrapbook Layout Pages

 "remembrance" scrapbook layout pages

from "The Heritage Cookbook Photo Album" Scrapbook

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

I just love these pages for many reasons...

First, the paper looks like the old wall paper once found in vintage

kitchens and the lace just might be found trimming the curtains.

Then the photos of my Mamaw and Papaw Hutty

celebrating their wedding anniversary 

with their children and grandchildren 

(that's me sitting on my papaw's right knee in the bottom photo)

just warms my heart.

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs))),

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Fried Breaded Spam Recipe Scrapbook Layout...yes, for real! =)

 

"fried breaded spam recipe" scrapbook layout

from "The Heritage Cookbook Photo Album"

Scrapbook by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

I couldn't think of a better title for these scrapbook pages! LOL

Can you? It got your attention! My girlfriends laughed as much as I did when I showed them

the recipe...they were like, fried is one thing but breaded? Are you serious? Oh my...

Obviously it is a recipe clipping that is very old...So it had to be included in this cookbook scrapbook.

I haven't finished journaling all the pages on my pages but I want to share some of the pages with you...

Enjoy...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs))),

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Loving the Country Scrapbook Layout Pages

 

"loving the country" scrapbook layout pages

from "The Heritage Cookbook" Photo Album

Scrapbook by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

...I am working my way through the cake recipes since they are the least tempting =)...

The two ladies pictured are my lovely aunts, Janice and Marge...

Enjoy...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs))),

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Baking 101 Scrapbook Layout Pages

 "baking 101" scrapbooking layout

from "The Heritage Cookbook Photo Album" Scrapbook

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

(I still have to add journaling/memories)

When my parents came to live with us a few years ago, my mother brought two things that were important to her and were vast, recipe clippings and old photographs. Now, I don't particularly like to cook and I am a simple vegan =). So, the solution was that I incorporate my love for scrapbooking and add the recipes and the photographs to the art thus bringing all the elements together on one canvas. I have loved every moment I have sent working on this and there have been many and there will be many years of them to come. The two page layouts above are two of my favorite. It features a couple of Hutcheson family Christmas's, my father's family celebrating together and our sons Garrett and Joel attending one of them. I loved the colors and the cute apron that I used from a pattern I had used making a card. My friend Judy Hardwick let me borrow her punch at a scrapbook crop to do the edging and it just popped right off this page. I have a feeling these pages may be framed for my new kitchen instead of landing in a book. I have scanned some of the older photos to preserve them but my ultimate goal when I finish all the photos and recipes my mother has left  behind is to scan each created page into a book for each of my mother's grandchildren to have a copy. I haven't journaled every page but will do so and add some insert pages with stories and memories...it will be fun...sweet too...oh what memories. The first pages I have worked on and will share in the coming days are of the Hutcheson family...those were the first photos I organized...I hope you enjoy...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Angel Among Us beaded crochet necklace & bracelet

"angel among us" beaded crochet necklace & bracelet

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Pendant by Sheri Levitt

I have had these crochet for a while and unfinished. I just didn't have the right combo of findings and pendant to complete the image I had for the color design I wanted when I began this project. Then I found the cones and Sheri sent me the pendant, everything simply fit together perfectly. I fell in love with them and knew that the angel on the handmade pendant had to have a special place in the title of the creation. Loving it...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Today begins a new adventure and a new life style for me...

 I am not about to apologize for the frightened state of the photos, when the morphine pump was keeping me sedated LOL. I also broke out from whatever the sheets/pillowcase/washcloths were laundered in but that was just miner things in the big picture. For yesterday, after losing almost 40 lbs, I was admitted into Crestwood Hospital for Gastric Bypass surgery. Dr. Edward Facundus did the surgery and we couldn't have been more pleased with the thoroughness to details, awareness, instruction and the surgery itself. As for Crestwood Hospital, Jerry and I felt this facility is complimentary to our experience at Georgetown and Vanderbilt, it was a wonderful experience. I have very little pain other than a small area below my left rib cage. I was in the hospital just over 24 hours and got to come home. I haven't been sick once and feel so much better already. I took a dose of pain medication to come home this morning and just took another dose for the coughing spell that made the spot feel like I was splitting open, which it wasn't...but other than that...I am beyond pleased...

I am so very thankful and must give a shot out to my family! Jerry has been on top of this surgery from the beginning, learning every detail as well as listening to the instructions at the doctors office and hospital. Then he took the week off to be with me. Our sons, Joel and Ethan, have manned the house these two days and cared for aspects they knew I didn't have time for or wouldn't feel like doing once I got home. Garrett has had separation anxiety since my father passed away, so we know where the stress points lie and just avoid them when possible. So we told him we had to go a little trip overnight. I brought the boys back a goody from our little travel that I got from the hospital gift shop...syringe writing pens! They are so cute...For Garrett's sake we didn't share the surgery with our church or our friends, just our immediate family, Jerry's co-workers and our pastor. It was best for Garrett and that is what was best for us.

I am pleased with the surgery, for me it isn't about the outside appearance, it is about the inside and feeling better and healthier. Thus far, I am beyond pleased with my experience and look forward to an amazing adventure...God blessed the road traveled to this point and I see Him walking with in the coming days and months and even years...

Love, Blessings, & (((Hugs))),
Rita
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com
**in the first photo, I am bead crocheting and in the second photo, Jerry is searching the web on his ipad...=)

Evergreens chained & beaded crochet necklaces

"evergreens" chained & beaded crochet necklaces

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

This is the fourth set of this still and size that I have made and each have been finished differently but all the same pattern and colors...I love this pattern of beading and greens. I plan to keep these for myself though. =) It has been a bit of challenge in finding the cones to fit the beading size I prefer to crochet but I fell in love with these immediately! I just love the chains and how they complement each other and the hooks...wow!

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},
Rita
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Fired Up for Summer Jewelry Set

"fired up for summer" necklace & earrings

by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

The vibrant colors of spring leading into summer just spoke to me this year. The bright yellows and oranges seemed to be on fire this year after a dark white winter with all the cold and snow that we had. When I saw the collection of orange and turquoise daisies next to the fired orange shiny beading, I felt drawn to putting them together with yet more copper findings and wire. Turquoise just might be my color for the summer or against jeans...whatever, they will make summer special and treasured. Loving it...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},
Rita
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Orange Eyed Daisies chocker & earrings

"orange eyed daisies" beaded chocker & earrings

 by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

I didn't vary this design from the packaging because when I saw it hanging on the rack...it popped! I just couldn't alter it...I wanted to wear it then and there! So, I added copper wiring and beads with elegant matching ribbon closure and sweet earrings to complete the ensemble. I think it will go nicely with my haircut, don't you? ;-) Sweet...They scream summer!!! Loving it...

Love, Blessings & {{{Hugs}}},
Rita
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Remember the Easter Egg Hunts?

When I was a kid, I was rather spoiled when it came to Easter season or any holiday for that matter. No emphasis was made on wither one holiday was materialistic or if there was hidden meaning, they were all meant for fun and for children. I was raised in a home of faith, eating down home southern cooking and learning to read from the family Bible. I was born to parents who should have been planning retirements instead of having another child but they loved me anyway and shared holidays wrapping the fun around everyone of them and my sister and later my brother-in-law joined in the fun of surprise and celebration for me. Easter was one of my favorite...I got a cute basket that was always creative and one I got when I was in about 2nd grade was in the shape of a huge egg with the front cut out and a bunny nestled inside of it and all the goodies around it. I still have it somewhere I think. There was always a solid 1 pound chocolate bunny and boiled eggs (chocolate for me, eggs for someone else).

The best part of Easter was getting new clothes, from the unmentionables to new white shoes, lace socks to a new dress, gloves and if I was a really good girl on shopping day, I would get a  new hat. I always pretended not to like hats, but I really did. =) My new things always came from the downtown Decatur JCPenney's department store not the fancy malls we have now, but the treasured home store where when you pushed the large heavy wood door with the glass front, someone was there to greet you and actually give you undivided attention in helping you make your selections. Then when a size didn't work, she would go get you another one that did work perfectly, but if it didn't, while you were across the street getting a coke, they would stitch it up for you. Remember that?

It all took place on a Saturday morning. We would walk downtown from our house on the corner of 8th and 6th. Spring was a perfect time for that. My mother didn't drive until I was a teenager and my sister was gone from home by then and had a life of her own. So mother and I would go get her hair done at the beauty shop, walk downtown, get a hamburger and walk back home. It was those time I loved the most. That I remembered the most. The times I could wonder around while she got her hair done or shopped and it was safe to do so. Also, I remember Good Fridays we were out of school. However, we didn't have church pageants or musicals and there was no evening services.

This year, we will keep our family tradition simple. New clothes for the men in my house are the appreciation for jeans and tennis shoes. I did purchased plastic eggs for our church Easter egg hunt this Sunday, not realizing until Ethan told me we already had some.  We don't have young children who participate in this event but it something we can do for them. So I took all the eggs and with Garrett's help, we put pocket change in each one and bag them for Sunday. Now before you get excited and make plans to come by and rob me of my eggs of change...it is pennies and only a few dimes and nickels, which if you want so badly, come to the door, knock and I will gladly just hand them over if you just say, "I want your eggs!" I think you will get about $2 LOL...

I just can't put candy in them after making the choice of eating healthy. Plastic eggs, chocolate bunnies, baskets, hunts, new clothes, don't represent the reason for the season but in a way they do. It is spring a time of newness, representing our best, freshness, happiness, renewal. I think God smiles knowing all these things. I love the realization of what Christ did for me...He gave me the freedom of creativity and spirit to love and soar and to start each day new and fresh...for that, I am happy to be forever faithful.

Happy Easter Season...
Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},
Rita
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Beekeeping Class for Beginners...If you only knew =)

 Bob Fanning, Instructor, Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs & Jerry Chenault, Event Organizer

Bob Fanning led the two day class...

David Breeden brought a jar of his honey

and shared it with us on day two of the training...

Mr. Breeden's daughter designed the

logo for their family honey business...

When my father came to live with us during his last year of life, I remembered how much he loved to read the local newspaper and subscribed. After he passed on in 2009, our son Garrett picked up where he left off by reading a couple of the comic strips, the daily forecast and the sports schedule for the day, so =) I couldn't let the newspaper go after that. Last week I needed, a piece to go under a project I was working on so I got a day old strip and there was a photo of Jerry Chenault, Urban Regional Extension Agent serving Morgan and Lawrence counties with the Alabama Extension System, next to a large title that read "Learn how to help honeybees thrive" and a subtitle to the right that read "A honey of a class" so read only that section. I must admit the large photo of the bee climbing on the pretty pink flower totally helped catch my attention as well, but it was something I knew I wanted to do. So, I called the number and registered for the two-day class.

About five years ago, I picked up a couple of books on beekeeping. I wasn't at the point in my life that it was a possibility or a probability but it was something I wanted to read about and use in a homeschooling project with our sons if nothing more than to simply read up on the subject. The article reminded me of that and it was then that I knew this could very well be that time in my life. Being home with Garrett has allowed me so many options. My art is doing very well and I enjoy the mediums I am working with and as long as Garrett is happy and comfortable, then we are pleased. Thus, I told him about the class to which he replied, "Momma, I think you should go learn about bees, but I think I will stay home and man the house." =)

Although there was much information to absorb, Bob Fanning was well prepared with a lifetime of information. He was raised and mentored by his father from the age of ten with bees. Retired from Motorola as an Engineer, he owns and operates Almer's Apiary in Huntsville Alabama and at this time has sixty colonies throughout the Madison County area and works closely with the Alabama and Madison County beekeeping associations, maintaining their websites and...if you know me well...he is a HAM operator! Yes, right away, I knew this was going to be a great instructor! I was happy, so I got comfortable in my seat and soaked up all this guy had to say. I was spellbound. The training was priceless and it only cost me $5, time, paper, pen, travel all the way into Hartselle and my own lunch. Wow...I would have paid much more...

Today, David Breeden brought a taste of his home brew...honey...it was mouth watering to say the least, local  rich in color, taste and sweetness. His label, he was proud to point out, was designed by his daughter, which pleased me, as an follow artist, to no end. All the participants in the class which numbered about thirty-five, were faithful to both days and honored to have the clarity of training and expertise that Mr. Fanning brought to the table. The handouts were amazing as were the extra materials Mr. Chenault provided. I am confident that when the time comes that I am ready to start my own hives, I will be ready and if I have a question, these men will be there to answer any I might have. 

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

www.RitaHutcheson.com

* Mr. Chenault is also on my Facebook...he owns Chenault Pro-Defense Martial Arts Acedemy =)

Measuring Salad Dressing on the Go for this Artist...

Having flexibility is something I value as an artist and the choice to of eating healthy created the opportunity to have salads already prepared along with fresh vegetables and fruits that can be created in minutes for meals and snacks to grab and go. However, salad dressings or dips were a problem until I came up with this idea. Mini Tupperware containers that hold 2 tablespoons and even have ounce measurements marked on the side so you know how much you have of both. Garrett has a problem with portions and our son seems to use half a bottle of dressing on everything =) even the fat free that we always buy. Creative as that might be, I would rather he not do that. So, this way, it helps all of us grab one and go. Now, if I want to go art with my friends or if I know I am going to a restaurant that I know doesn't have fat free salad dressings or if Garrett wants a salad, then the portions are already decided for us. It takes minutes in the prep work. When I purchase or gather my fresh ingredients and salad preps, I set down for about an hour and get everything ready and placed in containers. Then they are ready for us for the week. I also purchased extra salad bowls from Tupperware that came with fork/knife and a salad dressing container for us to have on hand for the guys to take to work...Thanks, Rachel, for making our life easier with these handy tools but also, I am so glad I was a little creative in using them, but I seriously doubt I was original LOL. CHECK OUT HER WEBPAGE AND SEND ME A MSG CAUSE I AM TAKING A CATALOG ORDER UNTIL MAY 5TH!! =) THANKS...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},
Rita
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com
***one set has fat free Italian and the other has fat free Ranch salad dressings. The Tupperware sets were buy one get one free so I racked up with that deal! =)

Turnip Green Vegetarian Salad Recipe

This is something I created that is amazing!!! Promise!!!

Ingredients

1 cup of canned turnip greens, rinsed thoroughly

1/2 cup fresh broccoli pieces

1/2 cup fresh Roma or plum tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup fresh celery, chopped

1/2 cup fresh green onions, chopped

1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped

1/2 cup fresh zucchini, chopped

1/2 cup fresh carrots, chopped or shredded

1/2 cup fresh cucumbers, chopped

1/2 cup fresh red and green bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup fresh sweet onions, chopped

1/8 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped finely

1/8 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped finely

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup fresh cabbage, shredded

2 tablespoons fat free Italian salad dressing

black pepper to taste

1. Empty turnip greens from can into a colander and rinse thoroughly (I get the kind that has no additives and no seasonings). Then place them in a microwaveable bowl large enough to add remaining ingredients later. Heat for 1.5 minutes on high in microwave.

2. Add remaining ingredients minus the cabbage and salad dressing. Stir well. Place in microwave and heat for 1.5 minutes on high.

3. Remove from microwave and stir in cabbage, salad dressing and black pepper. Serve hot or cold. 

Makes 4 services. 

Enjoy this quick and easy main dish or a simple side salad for the whole family...Love, Blessings & {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Painting Poppies...

My sweet friend Judy Hardwick invited me to go to

a painting class at Spirited Art on Saturday night...

we were painting Poppies...

...We had an absolute blast!!! Her's looks amazingly

like poppies...mine, my son Garrett said looked like a "poppy's"

pillow...I can live with that =)///

Judy took this photo and noted that there were over 

50 participants...rockin' awesome time, let me tell ya...

I know where my next birthday party will be,

GIRLFRIENDS...remember and just go ahead

and mark your calendar NOW!!! =))))

The flower "grows" on you after a time and

I know this won't be my last class...

There is something peaceful about painting...

relaxing...

...and knowing that some of your work is 

hanging on your wall...sweet...refreshing...

Be sure to check out Judy's wall on her

Facebook and blog...

Hugs to all and give painting a try...this class was for beginners

and some had never painted before...

Loved it...

Love, Blessings & {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Scrapbooking Saturdays...

Each month on the second Saturday, we gather to scrapbook, which is totally my respite and a chance to gather with friends and work on photographs and memories as well as catch up on each others lives as well as share bits and pieces of our lives with good doses of laughter. I have been working on mixing recipe clippings with old photographs while others are working on spring photographs or vacation photos. Then this past Saturday, I invited June Martin, who I was so impressed with at a resent retreat, to come and show those interested in knowing how to use Design Studio with their Cricut machine and she was fantastic. Here is Sandy Keel, Kelly Henderson, new friend Debbie and June as everyone was listening to June give  instructions...she really was a fabulous teacher!

My husband, Jerry "Doc, set us up with a projector screen to make it easier for everyone to follow along as June went step-by-step introducing all the beginners with DS and then everyone cut something out using their Cricut. She gave careful instructions prior to class and even arrived early to go over any questions the participants might have. We fell in love with DS and our Cricuts...especially those of us that might not be so faithful to use theirs...we won't mention any names LOL!!! =) (whistling) 

Amanda Zimmer and Bobbie Weinbaum also were there working very hard...scrapbooking went on and we had a blast as we always do...

So, we have 8' table spaces available for scrapbookers and the cost if free! We meet in the fellowship hall and pre-announced classes are offered in the choir room for those interested but are completely optional. Bring a sack lunch, beverage to drink and a snack to share each 2nd Saturday of the month to New Center Baptist Church, Hartselle Alabama! You will love the fun we have!!

Love, blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},
Rita
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com

Simply one...

"simply one" photograph by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

One of my favorite ways a piece of music is sung is without any musical instruments, especially at the beginning. The song begins with one voice. Then as the second verse or chorus comes in another voice joins in and then as another portion of the song blends in, another voice follows until a choir and then a congregation is in worship as one voice sharing the hope and faith of the words. Can you feel it. That was what I thought about this photograph. One leaf can give us hope of spring, of fall, of rain, of so much. One faith, one hope can give us so much for today, for tomorrow...loving how that makes me think outside myself and about others...

I hope you are enjoying a few days as I share some of my photography with you...

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},
Rita
www.RitaHutchesonCobbs.com