This is from the 1934 Hershey’s chocolate cookbook bought at some fair I went to probably 40 years ago. It’s still my favorite! (I think I lessoned the amount of sugar to be more in line with modern health practices 🙂 )

Dissolve and stir together in small saucepan:

• 2T quality cocoa
• 2T dark brown sugar
• 1/4 C hot water

Bring to low boil -simmer- for 2 min while you stir it

Remove from heat and slowly stir in:

• 1 1/2 C whole milk

Return to low heat and stir until very hot, but not boiling.

• Stir in 1/4 t vanilla.

Froth with your frother or egg beater/immersion blender.

Use your favorite mug and drink it with a cinnamon stick 🙂

Makes about 14 oz. cup (a little over a grande)

Maya Angelou said as long as she could find a library she would be OK 🙂

Libraries hold an abundance of stored knowledge – probably more than the internet in some ways – because not everything is on the internet.

We can learn about other people’s lives, hopes, dreams and accomplishments; projects to create and make; recipes, sewing, organization tips and helps, places traveled and to travel. Plus it’s a good place to read, write and contemplate. You  have a feeling of comradery with other people around you doing their library thing, while you still have your own space.

Another great thing is the inter-library loan factor. You can borrow through your library a book it doesn’t have from another library, giving you access to hundreds of thousands of books. Most library fines are a thing of the past. Basically, the book is due in 2 – 4 weeks. Possibly it may be renewed unless someone else has requested it.  Only if you never return the book or damage it do you pay for the book. They accept weekly book donations and sell used books for around one dollar!

Our library has a happy hallway of art just off the entry area with pairs of bright orange upholstered chairs and a table in individual sections in front of the windows. Across from the chairs and hung on the walls around the chairs are local art works which are changed out periodically. Currently the elementary grades 1-4 are displaying colorful art of construction paper creations, tempera paintings and fired ceramic potteries made from the imagination of each individual child — so cute and fun to look at!!!  (I see the orange crab from Nemo 🙂 )There is a table at its entry with a guest book if you want leave your name and any comments about your experience. I always sign in and leave a comment to encourage all the artists.

Our library also offers classes and group get-togethers if you’re interested…plus a bright children’s area and story times for the littles.

I agree with Maya. I love going to the library.

You might want to go check out yours!

Instead of wishing you had something different or were more like someone else…

Begin to see value in and maximize what you already have and turn it into something really great for your people, your area of life, where you live.

This thought started a while back as I wished to return to Europe for some good soup and artisan bread. Then I thought, they’re good at making what they like with what they have and developed it into something we love.

There is a good little artisan sourdough bread shop just down the street from me, now all I need to do is make some soup….wonder what’s in my cupboards?

Yum!