Amy M. Schaefer
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From the Front Porch

I am an "accidental blogger". When I launched my writing career in March of 2014, one of the things that I decided to include was my journaling, which I have always found to be a comforting and therapeutic endeavor.  It was a big risk to open myself up in such a public forum, but it has taught me that, for the most part, we share far more experiences than we think. It's comforting to know I'm not alone!  (*the "Button Text" is the link to my first novel)
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Who's With Me?

8/3/2015

3 Comments

 
Picture
My Last Day of Being 45, 3 August 2015
Aunt Mattie's favorite saying was, "Your life is what you make it, and the world is how you take it." I am finally at an age where I can fully appreciate all of the little nuances hidden inside such a simple concept. Let's face it, when bad things happen it's really difficult not to let them suck you into their black pit of pain or be bitter because whatever it was happened in the first place. When people we love don't behave in a way that meets our expectations or worse do something to harm us, it's a serious challenge to just let that shit go, because it hurts and there's just no getting around that reality. Those things, however, are out of our control. Life...the good, the bad, and the ugly happens to all of us. How we deal with those things is absolutely in our control, though. That is not to say controlling them is easy, but it is possible (and for me completely necessary). It is in that spirit I begin a new year of my life. Today is the last day I allow anything from my past to hold me hostage from my future. today I will let go of:

  • Friendships and loves I have lost...
  • Grudges, period...
  • The childhood I didn't get to have...
  • People who have used or harmed me intentionally...
  • Hateful words spoken to me by others that caused me pain...
  • Judgements others make about MY life...
  • Pretty lies people have told me...
  • Anything that does not help me, grow me, or make me happy!



Tomorrow I go into forty-six without carrying any of the "baggage from my past. I go into it knowing I am fully responsible for every step I make and in complete control of each destination I visit. I choose whatever roads lead to happiness with my eyes wide open. Who's coming with me?

P.S. I'm channeling Aunt Mattie today, so I'm cooking "Mattie Spaghetti" for dinner! Here's the recipe:

1 to 1 & 1/2 lbs. ground beef
Olive Oil
1/2  large, sweet onion (cut into small cubes)
1 can of Tomato Soup
Salt & Pepper to taste
Ground Italian seasons, if you like
Water for sauce consistency preferred

*Your favorite pasta, I'm using thin spaghetti

1. Brown the ground beef in a cast iron skillet in about 2 Tbsp. of Olive Oil (must use cast iron).
2. When the meat is nearly browned, salt and pepper it, then add the onions.
3. Finish browning, then add the can of Tomato Soup (do not drain grease from the cooked meat).
4. Add water using the soup can, until sauce is preferred consistency (...I usually do about half a can).
5. Stir well, season with Italian seasoning if desired. Turn burner down on low and cover.
6. Cook pasta noodles, checking your sauce while the noodles are cooking to make sure it's not sticking to the bottom of the pan. Stir and add water, if needed.

*Note: Once all of this is done, I put a bit of the oil from the sauce on my noodles and mix them. Then make my bowl and cover with Parmesan cheese!


3 Comments
angie connor
8/3/2015 05:50:04 am

You are a fantastic human being! I can not think of anyone who deserves happiness more than you! BRING ON 46!!!!

Reply
Amy Marie Schaefer
8/3/2015 07:41:18 am

I ♡ you, lady!

Always,
A.

Reply
Amy Marie Schaefer
8/3/2015 08:01:53 am

*Note on the spaghetti sauce...I forgot to add that you should give it a couple of healthy squirts of ketchup when putting in the tomato soup!

Reply



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    About The Author

    I grew up in rural North Carolina. When I was only nineteen, I moved away and became a military wife. My only aspiration at that tender time in my life was to create an adult life that "fixed" all of the "injustices" of my childhood. Secretly, however, I wanted to reach for the sky! I wanted to be a writer and find ways to "save the world" (my mother used to say, "You have Save the World Syndrome".). Mostly, I wanted to matter.

    Since then, I have learned to reach well beyond what I ever dared to think was possible. I've learned not to allow fear to stop me from whatever future I want to create!

    What keeps me grounded? My Tribe! What provides the wind beneath my wings? A well of reserves filled with unstoppable passion!

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  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
  • Blog: From the Front Porch
  • Novels
  • Short Stories
    • Children's Books
  • About the Author
  • Contact
  • Photo & Art Gallery