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She’s been deceased for over a decade now,
but Erma Bombeck left her mark on many a housewife, as well as
other members of the family who may not realize that her influence
infiltrated their lives.
She was full of wit and wisdom and had a way of seeing everyday
life as an adventure, most always laced with a bit of humor. I
remember one of her quotes that became one of my favorites –
“Seize the moment. Think of all those women on the Titanic
who waved off the dessert cart.”
I was reminded of her just this week when my cousin, Sue Ann,
also a “deep thinker” who sees life as a glass half
full despite the many times it’s been nearly empty, sent
me an email with Bombeck’s famous, “If I Had My Life
to Live Over, written after she discovered she was dying from
cancer. Food is good, but food for thought can often change lives
for the better. Let’s ponder these words together for the
New Year: Thankfully, it’s not too late for most of us.
“I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending
the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there
for the day. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like
a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and
listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even
if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. I would have eaten
the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much
less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the
fireplace.
“I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather
ramble about his youth. I would have shared more of the responsibility
carried by my husband. I would never have insisted the car windows
be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased
and sprayed. I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television
and more while watching life. I would never have bought anything
just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was
guaranteed to last a lifetime.
“Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d
have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing
inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, ‘Later.
Now go get washed up for dinner.’ There would have been more
‘I love yous, more ‘I’m sorrys.’ But mostly,
given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at
it and really see it, live it and never give it back.”
Erma
Bombeck’s Dip
½ lb. lean ground beef
½ cup each finely chopped onion, coarsely grated American
cheese
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 ½ tsp. chili powder
½ tsp. salt
1 can (8 oz.) pork and beans, mashed
¼ cup chopped black olives
In a nonstick skillet, cook beef and ¼ cup onions
for 5 minutes on medium high. Stir often until beef is lightly
browned. Stir in sauce, chili powder and salt. Bring to simmer.
Stir in beans and simmer 3 - 4 minutes. Turn into heated dish.
Sprinkle with cheese, olives and rest of onion. Serve with taco
chips.
Don’t forget your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful
. . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” a compilation
of nearly 400 mouth-watering recipes by Sherrie Norris.
It is available at all locations of High Country Media
– Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and at The
Avery Journal in Newland, all Boone Drugs, Black Bear
Books, Trailway Laundry, Wilcox Emporium,( top level,
booth 312-W,) and beginning June 15 at Mast Store locations.
EMAIL:
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