Today I wanted to write a special tribute for my father. He passed away about two weeks ago and it's been really hard on me and my family. Some of you might remember an article I wrote on grieving when my little dog died in 2010. I wanted to include a piece of that here.

October 4, 2010

A word fitly spoken is music to the ears, emotion to the soul, even a bright star to which we fix our gaze. Poetry can be severely powerful and it can also be dangerously fragile. Emily Dickinson said, "If I read a book and it makes my body so cold no fire could ever warm me, I know that it is poetry".  Poetry to me is like a chiseled marble of language and by allowing its words to take root in our heart and mind, it can enliven our sensitivity to life's meanings and purpose.  I have great respect for those great poets such as Faust, Shakespeare, Frost, Austen, Whitman, and Twain, to name a few, who have mastered the written language. There talent is truly wondrous and boggles my mind.

Hello Tiger Fans and TV lovers,

Here is my...

Top ten list of new television shows I'm interested in checking out...

HONORABLE MENTION

(This one didn't make the top ten list but maybe I'll watch one or two...

 Wow! 1500+ entries! All from you fans in Brazil. We love you and your love of Colleen's books.

But really, you just want to know who is winning the prizes. So I shall not delay.

I thought it might be time to share the chocolate peanut butter surprise cookie recipe with all of you again. And this time I've provided some step by step pics as well! I made this recipe years ago for Colleen and her husband Brad and it quickly became one of her FAVORITE cookies. As you might already be aware, this is also the very same cookie that Colleen wrote in her story as Ren's favorite cookie that Kelsey baked as well. Coincidence? I dare say not! :-) 

So, without any more delay..... may I present for your pleasure, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookie recipe (adapted from  Martha Stewart's recipe)