F2: Finger Breadsticks

Welcome again to Friday's Feast. Today I'll be talking about making scary breadsticks in the shape of fingers for Halloween.

If you don't know what Friday's Feast is all about, please read the Friday's Feast page for a more detailed explanation. If you want to join in on the feast— be sure to leave a comment and include the URL to your post so I and others can know of your contribution. Also, if you want to see a particular topic— feel free to suggest it as well (I'm always looking for new inspirations).

Participants in this weeks Feast are as follows:

• Mina @ The World According to the Little Fish
  Here's a tricky-treat. Tricky, in that the link was given to me before it was posted— and a treat in that it sounds like a yummy soup (might even be orange too).
• m²I @ Ca-Joh
  When pumpkins go bad.
• Michelle @ It's a Dog's Life
  A great piece of poetry that will keep your appetite for more Halloween.
• Michelle @ It's a Dog's Life
  Some fun statistics about Halloween to help make sure you have enough Candy.

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With inspirations from MS and Mrs. Mackinac…

Every Halloween we like to have a spooky spread set out so that our children and our grandchildren have a place to stop and eat something other than candy. My wife is such the Martha Stuart and likes to have dishes that reflect the celebration. This is one of those dishes that we always like to make. Makes 8 to 12.

Finger Breadsticks:

1 package of breadstick dough

Almond slices

1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
2. Separate the breadsticks, then cut the lengths in half.
3. Shape the dough into fingers.
   Don't worry if they don't look exactly like fingers, that's what makes them scarry.
4. Place an almond sliver on one end of the finger.
   To make it extra scary, place the pointy end of the sliver pointing outwards.
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes depending upon the time on the package.
6. Enjoy.

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Given that next month is Thanksgiving for our family, I have decided to have Thanksgiving be the theme for the entire month of November.

• Do you "Talk Turkey"— or talk to your turkey?
• Who does Thanksgiving in your family— are you the host, or the guest?
• What craziness ensues when the family comes to visit?
• Are you traditional with your dishes, or are you experimental?
• Do you have any family recipes handed down for generations at your table?
• What do you do with all those leftovers?

So grab a turkey leg, pull up a chair and link up. Even if you are Canadian and have celebrated earlier this year— or have a post from last year's festivities your links are always welcome.

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Trapped in Time: Act 2

This part of the story will not make any sense to you unless you read the first part. If you have not done so, please read the section called: Trapped in Time: Act 1. Thank you.

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… I awoke in darkness. Fumbling to get my bearings I found a doorknob and saw a faint glow emanating from my arms. "Great", I thought to myself "it looks like I've been placed in the environmental suit and it's decaying." Fortunately the door was unlocked, so I wasn't locked into what appeared to be a closet.

As I slowly opened the door to see where I was I noticed that I was in my own house. Not knowing how long I had been in the suit, I was unsure how much time I had left before the suit completely failed and I died inside it. I looked into the living room and saw the time portal on the side table. "Excellent", I thought to myself "I can get the time portal, go into the kitchen to call my colleagues and get this fixed up in no time."

I quickly went into the living room, stole the time portal under my arm and headed towards the phone in the kitchen. Upon entering the kitchen, my wife turned, screamed and immediately fainted. "She must not have recognized me in the suit", I said to myself.

I ran to her and bent over to see if she hurt herself. It was at that moment that someone came barging in through the kitchen door. Fearing it was the intruder from before, my mind started reeling: "Will I be able to get to the phone?", "Who should I call if I do?", "How can I escape?"

As I turned my head to face the intruder I could only think of one thing… "Maybe I can use the time portal on myself and send me back far enough to call for help…" Fiddling with the time portal I lifted it up and struggled to find the trigger…

There was a flash of light…

Trapped in Time: Act 1

Here's a scary story just in time for Halloween. I originally wrote this story as a writing exercise for my Science Fiction class in High School. Unfortunately, I somehow have lost my story folder with a lot of my stories I have written over the years— so I'll have to re-tell this story from memory. Fortunately I remember the story and can tell it to you. I have broken the story up into two parts— so be sure to tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story.

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Trapped in Time

It was a stormy night as I came home from a busy day at the lab. As I walked through the front door I felt a chill run down my spine… "someone must be walking over my grave" I said to myself.

"Honey, I'm home", I announced as I entered the living room… "Good, dinner's almost ready" came my wife's voice from behind the kitchen door. The smell of dinner wafting through the house made me feel more at ease. I walked over to my favorite chair, sat down, and picked up the newspaper.

"Scientists make breakthrough in Time Travel" said the headline. I smiled to myself as I looked at the picture of me and my colleagues. I looked like a giant next to my fellow colleagues— my head being at least a foot above the rest. I glanced to the side table where I placed the portal device. "Security's already tight", I thought to myself "but it will definitely have to be a lot tighter now that there is so much publicity." I then flipped the paper over and got lost in the sports section.

A few minutes later I heard a loud noise coming from the front hallway and parlor. I jumped up and looked in that direction only to see that the side window was open and flapping in the wind. "Boy, that scared the soul out of me", I thought to myself "thank goodness it's just the window." I proceeded to slowly walk into the parlor to secure the window.

As I turned to scold my wife for leaving the window open for the umpteenth time, I noticed that the time portal was not on the side table. In a panic, my mind started reeling: "Did it fall off the table?", "Did it break when it fell?", "Did someone manage to steel it&hellip"

My panic soon turned to horror as I heard my wife's scream from the kitchen and the sound of someone falling to the floor. I bolted towards the kitchen and blew in the kitchen door.

I saw a man bent over my wife. He turned his head towards me in a curious way. All I was thinking was how to get past him and get to the phone to call the police. The man's hands were shaking as he lifted the portal device— "Good", I thought to myself "he's going to give it back to me." There was a flash of light…

to be continued

Tribute Tuesday: Followers-of-the-Blog-05

When the original Tuesday's Tribute (now Tribute Tuesday) was created— I had an idea to do a spotlight on my followers. I thought… "what a great way of promoting their blogs and give them credit for bearing with my narrative/technical-writer style of writing". I decided to write to those followers that I could and ask two questions so that their words could be a part of the post:

1. What reason do you have for following my blog?
   I know this may seem selfish, but I am curious what motivated you to sign up.
2. Why do you think that others follow your own blog?
   I know why I do and will let you know in my post along with my impressions on what your blog is to me.

I realized that posting on all of my followers would be a very long post— so I broke it up into smaller manageable pieces.

• Hear what the first ten followers have to say.
• Hear what followers eleven through twenty have to say.
• Hear what followers twenty one through thirty have to say.
• Hear what followers thirty one through forty have to say.

Note: I started sending out the questionnaire again after I reached 60 followers. Since Blogger changed the way that followers are displayed, I have no way of knowing in what order my next 30 followers joined up. So I decided to list them in the order I received responses. Here is what the next 10 followers have to say:

angie @ SevEn cLoWn CirCuS

I found angie as the host of Wordless Wednesday and she also hosted Tuesday's Tribute until she handed it over to Mayhem & Moxie and it became the Tribute Tuesday that it is today. I love the playfulness that her blog title has using mixed upper and lower case, and that playfulness reflects in many of her posts. Here is what angie has to say:

1. What a fabulous, idea. I can't believe I hadn't signed up as a follower sooner…I thought I had. You've been on my reader for ages, so I guess that counts, right?
   I don't know how I found your blog? BUT, in the beginning I remember thinking that I appreciated that your posts were humble and thought provoking…and it's always fun to find new "man bloggers".
2. Why do people follow my blog? No idea? Fascination with large families? My wit? Seriously though…I've been told that it's because I seem kind. And if that's why, I'll take it. I Do try always to be kind and optimistic.

Midlife Mama @ Midlife Musings

I think we all— no matter what our age may be have some sort of Midlife crisis. I enjoy the musings of Midlife Mamma and the humorous stories that she tells of her life. Here is what Midlife Mamma has to say:

1. I honestly can't remember how I found your blog, but it was either a link from someone else's blog, or perhaps you commented on my blog and so of course I had to check you out. The reason I follow you is because
   1. I always try to follow my favorite blogs, and Google reader is a good way to do this but
   2. I follow (i.e. read) your blog because it's interesting…the Friday Feast is great; gotta love a man who knows how and loves to cook. Plus your stories are interesting; I just love hearing about other people's lives.
   3. And last but not least, I l admire and envy the fact that you've been married so long. Not only were you wise in making a good choice when you got married but you've been able to stick it out through good times and bad. My track record isn't so great so I am always greatly curious about how other people do it. My first instinct is to run when things get tough. You're honest, you're down-to-earth and I really enjoy your blog.
2. Why do others follow me? Because they're into torture and pain? Because they hate themselves and enjoy the feeling of wanting to rip their eyeballs out of their sockets by reading my drivel??? *chuckles* Okay there's my insecure side coming out. I actually envy people who have a lot of followers, as I only have 38, but each one I get I do a silent happy dance inside. "You like me; you really like me!" LOL I hope that people follow me because they enjoy what I write, that I'm honest and real, and sometimes speak my mind before my brain catches up but hopefully I don't offend too many people. I did lose one follower early on because I offended her with something I'd posted. I remember that clearly, because it does bother me and I care too much what people think sometimes. I hope I am funny, and entertaining and not TOO offensive! :)

subtorp77 @ basstuna

I discovered subtorp77 through Otin's Rhyming Wednesday. He has an interesting feature called "Theme Thursday" to which he picks a theme and runs with it— a great way of opening up a discussion. Here is what subtorp77 has to say:

1. Found you through otin's Rhyming Wednesday meme and liked your style of writing, as soon as I read it. 'Twas a bit different but most refreshing. I seem to be stuck in the "rhyming" mode and could only pray to write like this.
2. As for why others may follow my bloggo, not sure. It could be the poetry or sharing of alike ideas and events, that one can relate to. Still wondering…

Liza @ They Will Not Have Me

I discovered Liza through Otin's Rhyming Wednesday feature. The blog title has a poetic quality that brings you in. I really love the fact that she posts her poetry which cover a wide variety of topics. Here is what Liza has to say:

1. I started following your blog based solely on one post, Rhyming Wednesday: Fear
   1. Your drawing reminded me of Edvard Munch's "The Scream" which I seemed to be having synchronizes with.
   2. Your words made me laugh (and I love laughing) "I was doodling topographical lines in the shape of an island (yes, I'm geeky like that)" And by the way, I am geeky like that too! I just loved the honesty in that sentence.
   3. Following that delight, there's also Friday's Feast - FRIDAY, FOOD, FUN (need I say more?) I haven't taken an active part as of yet, but I do watch from the sidelines!

2. Because something in me spoke to something in them.

   I crave that connection, the tie that binds us all. There really is a common thread underneath all of the skin and bones.

   With that intention in mind, I can let go, and let the Universe do its gathering.

   My blog is a challenge for me to be creative, and let go of that inner critic that has been prevalent for far too long.

   For me, following blogs is a tribute to creativity in all of its amazingly beautiful, and magical forms.

Kiki @ Kirsten NOT Kristen

I rather like the title of Kiki's blog. It reminds me of all those people to whom I mispronounce their names. Kiki is a very a good story teller and has a very easy to read blog. Here is what Kiki has to say:

1. I am following you because I follow Stacy's Random Thoughts whom I think is a wonderful blogger and she recommended you. I read your blog and liked what I saw.
2. I am real, honest, funny and hopefully blog about things people can relate to.

rochellesychua @ HeaRty's Haven

Reading through rochellesychua's blog it is apparent that she is a "gear-head"— and I mean that in a good way. She has a lot of reviews on various electronics and other gear that is very informative. She also has a smattering of Taiwan culture mixed in for good measure. Here is what rochellesychua has to say:

1. One huge reason why I decides to follow your blog because you value your readers. This is really important because this resulted to us feeling at home whenever we're on your page. You share your thoughts and philosophies in life w/c inspires us :) keep writing!!
2. As for my blog, HeaRty's Haven (http://www.rochellesychua.com) - this covers mostly gadgets, food, travel, gaming & fashion topics. Those of which I'm passionate about :) I share my deepest thoughts and just like your blog I hope to inspire others :)

Mrs. Fish aka Two Fish @ One Fish, Two Fish, Three, Four, Five Fish

I like the name of this blog, it reminds me of a Dr. Seuss book. But Mrs. Fish's blog is not a children's book. It covers serious topics, as well as stories about the fish family adventures. Here is what Mrs. Fish has to say:

1. Your blog sounds like what my husband would sound like if he blogged. Highly entertaining to me.
2. I think they like to know that someone is more nuts than they are and I am not afraid to speak out about anything! I love to talk about sensitive and controversial issues of home life and the everyday mundane, so I think people enjoy knowing they have someone else to relate with on these issues.

Patricia @ Subjective Soup

I love the name of this blog. I used to get the terms Objective and Subjective confused— but now that I know the difference, this blog's title alone gives it a profound meaning to me. Here is what Patricia has to say:

1. I follow many blogs. If someone visits my blog, I usually return the visit and if I enjoy their blog I usually sign on as a follower.
2. I hope my followers have similar reasons for following my blog.

Moonspun @ Moonspun Spins

Moonspun to me is the kind of fairy-tale stuff that is in children's stories— so the blog title Moonspun Spins is that much more inviting to me. Here is what Moonspun has to say:

1. I found your blog a long time ago through the He Says She Says tryouts (whenever they were) and I liked your perspective enough to vote for you in that contest and to start reading your blog. I still follow Ca-Joh because you are insightful, but not dramatic. You share a variety of things as well as the predictable Friday's Feast. You clearly give thought to your posts and are respectful to readers. Plus you are a good writer and that makes a difference for me.
2. Why people read my little corner of the Internet world is a bit of a mystery to me. I've been told I am insightful and a good writer, but I don't know that I am a good judge of that myself. I certainly have a one-of-a-kind personal story, so maybe they check in to see what may happen next to me. Or what odd thing about my past I may reveal.

3 Men and a Lady @ 3 Men and a Lady

The title of this blog reminds me of the movie 3 Men and a Baby, but the author of this blog is no baby. Being the only lady in a family of men makes for interesting stories. Here is what 3 Men and a Lady has to say:

1. I chose to follow you for a couple of reasons:
   1. you have interesting posts,
   2. you took the time to comment on my blog,
   3. it's a great way to network, and
   4. following puts people I want to read in my reader and it's easy for me to keep up.
2. I think people follow me for roughly the same reasons. Some people follow everybody, but I don't and I hope people follow me because they find my posts interesting or funny, but whatev.

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Spooky Shake

In honor of the upcoming Haloween celebrations, I thought I would change my page a bit. If you are reading this in a reader, please stop by and check it out.

About eight years ago, I found an interesting piece of JavaScript which shakes the window:

<script language="javascript" type="text/javascript"> function shake(n) { if (parent.moveBy) { for (i = 10; i > 0; i--) { for (j = n; j > 0; j--) { parent.moveBy(0,i); parent.moveBy(i,0); parent.moveBy(0,-i); parent.moveBy(-i,0); } } } } </script>

If you are curious to see how this piece of code works, just press the button below…

Scarry isn't it…

F2: Boo

Welcome again to Friday's Feast. Today I'll be talking about Boo.

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Talking about Boo to me means that I'll be talking about nothing.
No… this is not a Seinfeld post, but rather one about nothing that pertains to food.

Perhaps I should have said "Boo-hoo".
I may just have the unfortunate blessing of having a participatory post that people don't participate in. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I know that there are people who want to participate in Friday's feast, but may be scared away because they feel they must produce. I also know that people tend to get busy and may not remember to link up. I also want to blame myself because I don't know how to promote this feature.

I rather like the concept and feel that it should work. I have even taken steps to make the process easier to do, but have not gotten the type of participation I see other sites have.

It is not that I do not appreciate those who do participate— I do and thank you all for joining in. It is just that I had to resort to drastic measures to get my recipe swap links last week, only to find an empty well this week. I am very hard on myself and tend to blame it all on my lack of experience and/or charisma.

How can I make this feature more appealing?

• Should I just abandon asking people to participate…
• Should I just stop altogether…
• Should I only post when I feel like it and leave it up to the reader if they want to participate or not…
• Should I post every other week to give people more time…
• How does one promote such a feature and get people to participate willingly without having to resort to begging…

My apologies for giving you such a Boo-hoo moment. I have been struggling with trying to make this work since April and have not seen any positive momentum. This in turn effects my self esteem and makes me question any of my abilities as a writer— or even as a person in general. I certainly do not want this feature post to effect my ability to post moving forward.

Any advice that you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

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If you don't know what Friday's Feast is all about, please read the Friday's Feast page for a more detailed explanation. If you want to join in on the feast— be sure to leave a comment and include the URL to your post so I and others can know of your contribution. Also, if you want to see a particular topic— feel free to suggest it as well (I'm always looking for new inspirations).

Since I didn't really cover Halloween this week, next weeks topic is still Halloween:

• Are you hosting a Halloween party and have ghoulish dishes you will be serving…
• Do you have any stories about when you went trick or treating…
• What is your favorite Halloween candy…
• What is it about those crazy Americans who tell their children to go door to door and get candy from strangers…

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Summer Fades

This poem I must have written sometime after school started up again. It incorporates my "six-line" style formula in which the initial pairings rhyme and the second to last line rhymes with a word in the last line and the last word of the last line line rhymes with the first two. It also ties each of the pairs together logically which is a feature I like about these types of poems. I find that it shows the hopefulness and disappointments that sometimes accompany changes in the season.

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As I slowly sit and watch the summer fade away
the winter winds creep in and cloud up the day.

Years gone by in times of dread and pain
the waiting for it all finds me no gain.

What new ground have I reached all torn and pail
my plans I decide all seem to fail.

The failure seems endless but at least there's hope
for one strong soul that knows how to cope.

To put up with my misery and comfort my needs
and only plant those seeds that reveal the play.

cj85'