Fri. Sat. February 17 and 18, 2012, 2nd Annual Invitational Fine Arts Exhibition and Sale at:
First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, AL.
309 East 21st Avenue
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(Cnty. Rte. 180 east of St. Rte. 59)
Phone: 251-968-7720
Website: www.gspres.com
The opening is Friday, Feb 17, 2012…… 5:00--8:00 p.m. and
one day only exhibition on Sat. Feb. 18 10:00 a.m. --6:00 p.m.
Free Admission and Refreshments
Art Show Curator Paul Welch, a retired artist/art professor
from Michigan, will be also giving a 6 week series of art
lectures at the church starting Tuesdays, January 10, 2012,
from 10:00 --11:00 a.m. These have been enthusiastically
attended for the past 4 years and set the stage for the
exhibition of our area artists. No charge.
Celebrating our local and snowbird artists:
Zach Baisden, Jennifer Currans, Helen Haberstroh,
David Howard, Mary Ann Lamm, Karen MacLaughlin,
Lorraine Owen,.... Jan Polk,......Martha Saunders,
Philip Sealy, Dorothy Sherman, Rick Tino,
Theresa Wayne, Richard Willlows, Beth Winn
New this year: Students from Gulf Shoes Elementary and
B.E.A.C.H. Home School.
Wine and nibbles are provided Friday evening; cookies all
day Saturday. Water color, Oil, Ink, Mixed Media, Photography,
Prints and Note Cards will also be for sale. A percentage of
sales will be donated to a local art teacher.
Come meet the artists, enjoy fine art and help support the
arts in the Gulf Shores area.
AYOGM and Jan Polk Note Cards will also be available for
sale at this show.
I invite you to visit my websites:
http://www.janpolk.com
http://www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Favorite Popcorn Recipes
I always like to describe our our book "A Year of Good Manners" by Margery Sinclair
and Jan Polk as "Fine Art Marries Fine Living."
Eating well is one of the perks of fine living.
Following are three of my favorite popcorn recipes. Tweaked the way I like them.
Hope you like them too.
If you know where to purchase big fluffy popcorn, please share the info. The
ones you can buy at the grocery store are OK but I would love to find a
gourmet popcorn because these recipes are so good. I found the top two
at allrecipes.com and the adult popcorn is from
Nigella.com
Cinnamon Candies Popcorn
Yield 8 cups 8 servings
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn
* 1/2 cup butter
* 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
* 2 (2.25 ounce) packages cinnamon red hot candies
1. Heat oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour in the popcorn, cover, and shake a couple of times to coat the kernels with oil. When the corn starts to pop, shake pan continuously until popping stops. Pour popped corn into a large paper bag.
2. Combine the butter, corn syrup and red hot candies in a microwave safe bowl or saucepan. Heat, stirring occasionally until the candies have melted. Pour the hot syrup over the popped corn, and shake the bag for 1 minute, until completely coated. Cool, and serve.
If you like it warm and gooey, eat right away; but if you like it crispy let it cool!
Nutritional Information open nutritional information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 255 | Total Fat: 15.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg
====================================================
Gelatin-flavored Popcorn 45 min 10 servings
* 10 cups popped popcorn
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 (3 ounce) package fruit flavored gelatin mix
* 1 tablespoon corn syrup
* 3 tablespoons water
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease a 1/4 sheet pan or two 8x12 inch baking dishes. Generously butter a heavy 2 quart saucepan.
2. Distribute popcorn evenly in prepared baking pans. Place in oven to keep warm.
3. In prepared saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, gelatin, corn syrup and water. Heat to 250 to 265 degrees F (121 to 129 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a rigid ball. [or bring to a boil and boil 4 minutes stirring constantly which is the method I used]
4. Pour mixture evenly over popcorn and stir until coated. Return popcorn to oven and bake 5 minutes; stir, then bake 5 minutes more.
5. Turn popcorn out onto a large piece of foil. Let rest until cool enough to handle, then form into balls. Or let cool completely and break into clusters. Store in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place.
================================================
Adult Spiced Popcorn
2 Tablespoon oil plus 1 cup of popcorn
While popping:
Melt:
6 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons turmeric
4 teaspoons salt [I use l teaspoon of salt]
4 teaspoons sugar
Mix and pour over hot popcorn. Toss and Enjoy!
We invite you to purchase our book "A Year of Good Manners" by
Margery Sinclair and Jan Polk $28.00 --free shipping!!! -- on line at
http://www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
Quantity discounts available....just email me at janpolk@janpolk.com before
you place your order.
and Jan Polk as "Fine Art Marries Fine Living."
Eating well is one of the perks of fine living.
Following are three of my favorite popcorn recipes. Tweaked the way I like them.
Hope you like them too.
If you know where to purchase big fluffy popcorn, please share the info. The
ones you can buy at the grocery store are OK but I would love to find a
gourmet popcorn because these recipes are so good. I found the top two
at allrecipes.com and the adult popcorn is from
Nigella.com
Cinnamon Candies Popcorn
Yield 8 cups 8 servings
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn
* 1/2 cup butter
* 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
* 2 (2.25 ounce) packages cinnamon red hot candies
1. Heat oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour in the popcorn, cover, and shake a couple of times to coat the kernels with oil. When the corn starts to pop, shake pan continuously until popping stops. Pour popped corn into a large paper bag.
2. Combine the butter, corn syrup and red hot candies in a microwave safe bowl or saucepan. Heat, stirring occasionally until the candies have melted. Pour the hot syrup over the popped corn, and shake the bag for 1 minute, until completely coated. Cool, and serve.
If you like it warm and gooey, eat right away; but if you like it crispy let it cool!
Nutritional Information open nutritional information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 255 | Total Fat: 15.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg
====================================================
Gelatin-flavored Popcorn 45 min 10 servings
* 10 cups popped popcorn
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 (3 ounce) package fruit flavored gelatin mix
* 1 tablespoon corn syrup
* 3 tablespoons water
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease a 1/4 sheet pan or two 8x12 inch baking dishes. Generously butter a heavy 2 quart saucepan.
2. Distribute popcorn evenly in prepared baking pans. Place in oven to keep warm.
3. In prepared saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, gelatin, corn syrup and water. Heat to 250 to 265 degrees F (121 to 129 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a rigid ball. [or bring to a boil and boil 4 minutes stirring constantly which is the method I used]
4. Pour mixture evenly over popcorn and stir until coated. Return popcorn to oven and bake 5 minutes; stir, then bake 5 minutes more.
5. Turn popcorn out onto a large piece of foil. Let rest until cool enough to handle, then form into balls. Or let cool completely and break into clusters. Store in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place.
================================================
Adult Spiced Popcorn
2 Tablespoon oil plus 1 cup of popcorn
While popping:
Melt:
6 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons turmeric
4 teaspoons salt [I use l teaspoon of salt]
4 teaspoons sugar
Mix and pour over hot popcorn. Toss and Enjoy!
We invite you to purchase our book "A Year of Good Manners" by
Margery Sinclair and Jan Polk $28.00 --free shipping!!! -- on line at
http://www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
Quantity discounts available....just email me at janpolk@janpolk.com before
you place your order.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Learned Helplessness
Example of “learned helplessness.” When you depend on others
and do without if someone does not give it to you. You
are not free if you are dependant on others or the government.
Being free means you can depend on your own actions to
find your way in life. Honesty, personal responsibility and pride in
a job well done will take you far. You must also be able
to work with others. Don’t forget about the “likability
factor.” When people like you, they are more likely to
give you a break in other areas. When all things are equal,
the person of honor, good character, and good manners will win out.
I have always pondered why some people thrive and excel in life
and others cannot/will not do anything for themselves yet resent
others who have worked hard for what they have earned.
We all want to help those who are handicapped, ill, and weak
(note: these same people want what the rest of us want:
to be treated with respect…….in return, we expect them to also
treat themselves and others with respect and honor.)
There is no reason for able bodied people not to be responsible
for their own actions.
My favorite quote is: “Don’t be your own roadblock. Use
roadblocks as stepping stones to get to higher ground.” by
unknown
This story illustrates using roadblocks and taking action:
One day a donkey fell into a well. The farmer and his neighbors
decided there was no way to get the donkey
out of the well; it was too deep and the rope did not go
down that far. They decided to put the donkey out of his
misery and cover him in dirt and bury him
so he would not have to suffer.
A donkey that has “learned helplessness” will just stand there
and be covered in dirt. He will not survive.
A donkey that has a will to survive and is willing to take
personal responsibility for his own actions will work
to get out of the situation. Every time this donkey
was covered in a shovelful of dirt, he just shook it off
and stood on top of the dirt; shook it off and stood on
top of the dirt; shook it off and stood on top of
the dirt. Eventually, the donkey was able to walk
out of the well to the delight of the farmer and his
neighbors.
We can help you with your "likablity factory."
http://www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
You must make the decision to be an honorable
person and take care of that part yourself.
and do without if someone does not give it to you. You
are not free if you are dependant on others or the government.
Being free means you can depend on your own actions to
find your way in life. Honesty, personal responsibility and pride in
a job well done will take you far. You must also be able
to work with others. Don’t forget about the “likability
factor.” When people like you, they are more likely to
give you a break in other areas. When all things are equal,
the person of honor, good character, and good manners will win out.
I have always pondered why some people thrive and excel in life
and others cannot/will not do anything for themselves yet resent
others who have worked hard for what they have earned.
We all want to help those who are handicapped, ill, and weak
(note: these same people want what the rest of us want:
to be treated with respect…….in return, we expect them to also
treat themselves and others with respect and honor.)
There is no reason for able bodied people not to be responsible
for their own actions.
My favorite quote is: “Don’t be your own roadblock. Use
roadblocks as stepping stones to get to higher ground.” by
unknown
This story illustrates using roadblocks and taking action:
One day a donkey fell into a well. The farmer and his neighbors
decided there was no way to get the donkey
out of the well; it was too deep and the rope did not go
down that far. They decided to put the donkey out of his
misery and cover him in dirt and bury him
so he would not have to suffer.
A donkey that has “learned helplessness” will just stand there
and be covered in dirt. He will not survive.
A donkey that has a will to survive and is willing to take
personal responsibility for his own actions will work
to get out of the situation. Every time this donkey
was covered in a shovelful of dirt, he just shook it off
and stood on top of the dirt; shook it off and stood on
top of the dirt; shook it off and stood on top of
the dirt. Eventually, the donkey was able to walk
out of the well to the delight of the farmer and his
neighbors.
We can help you with your "likablity factory."
http://www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
You must make the decision to be an honorable
person and take care of that part yourself.
Friday, December 9, 2011
You have power!
It is December already! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
We are all born with power until we give it up. Sometimes
we are talked out of it, sometimes we are bullied out of it,
sometimes we never learn how to use our power.
If you live in a capitalistic society such as the USA,
you are especially blessed and have more opportunities
than anywhere else in the world.
Learning how to be civilized and getting along with
people is power. Being honorable and respecting your
self is power. You have the power to determine what your
behavior will be. You have the power to decide what kind
of life you will lead. You have the power to decide if you
will get an education or not. You have the power to decide
if you will work for yourself or for someone else.
You have the power to decide if you want to
be a parent or not. You have the power to decide who will
be the other parent to your children. You have the
power to decide if you will accept disrespect or not.
If you are an honorable, civilized, law abiding citizen
you are a powerful part of our civilized society. No
society or community can exist for long if its people
are not honorable and trustworthy. Respect and Good Manners
are some of the most powerful tools you need to know
early in life.
Our common bond is we all want to be treated with respect.
Even the handicapped and mentally retarded are expected
to use the same respect and good manners that we all do.
Etiquette is practical. Sometimes there are exceptions to
the rules. When you know good manners, you learn to make
good decisions on your own, you become self confident without
becoming egotistical or rude, you learn to become independent
and capable of functioning on your own and taking care of
a family and a business.
There will always be people who soar and excel above the rest,
but that is because they are willing to work hard and long hours
at what they are good at and want to do. We all win when we live
in a society where we each have the opportunity to be the best
we can be in our chosen field.
There will always be people who never acquire a lot of money;
however, if they are honorable, civilized, and law abiding
citizens, they will still know love, peace, respect, and friendship.
Things which money cannot buy. They will still be respected members
of our free, capitalistic society.
There will always be those who do not respect themselves or
others. They are destined to be unhappy people; however, they
do have the power to decide if they want to continue this
lifestyle or not.
Treat yourself to a copy of "A Year of Good Manners" by
Margery Sinclair and Jan Polk.
Read 365 common, everyday courtesies written by Margery Sinclair.
Margery uses a humorous style to convey very important information
about life skills for your family, school, social, and business lives.
Margery tells you what you can do and a reason to use each tip.
You may even become charming after reading our book.
Jan Polk's Great American Flower Collection (GAFC) "respect series"
images are reminders to treat yourself and others with respect.
Wishing you peace, joy, respect, and safe travels during this holiday
season.
http://www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
http://www.janpolk.com
http://www.margerysinclair.com
We are all born with power until we give it up. Sometimes
we are talked out of it, sometimes we are bullied out of it,
sometimes we never learn how to use our power.
If you live in a capitalistic society such as the USA,
you are especially blessed and have more opportunities
than anywhere else in the world.
Learning how to be civilized and getting along with
people is power. Being honorable and respecting your
self is power. You have the power to determine what your
behavior will be. You have the power to decide what kind
of life you will lead. You have the power to decide if you
will get an education or not. You have the power to decide
if you will work for yourself or for someone else.
You have the power to decide if you want to
be a parent or not. You have the power to decide who will
be the other parent to your children. You have the
power to decide if you will accept disrespect or not.
If you are an honorable, civilized, law abiding citizen
you are a powerful part of our civilized society. No
society or community can exist for long if its people
are not honorable and trustworthy. Respect and Good Manners
are some of the most powerful tools you need to know
early in life.
Our common bond is we all want to be treated with respect.
Even the handicapped and mentally retarded are expected
to use the same respect and good manners that we all do.
Etiquette is practical. Sometimes there are exceptions to
the rules. When you know good manners, you learn to make
good decisions on your own, you become self confident without
becoming egotistical or rude, you learn to become independent
and capable of functioning on your own and taking care of
a family and a business.
There will always be people who soar and excel above the rest,
but that is because they are willing to work hard and long hours
at what they are good at and want to do. We all win when we live
in a society where we each have the opportunity to be the best
we can be in our chosen field.
There will always be people who never acquire a lot of money;
however, if they are honorable, civilized, and law abiding
citizens, they will still know love, peace, respect, and friendship.
Things which money cannot buy. They will still be respected members
of our free, capitalistic society.
There will always be those who do not respect themselves or
others. They are destined to be unhappy people; however, they
do have the power to decide if they want to continue this
lifestyle or not.
Treat yourself to a copy of "A Year of Good Manners" by
Margery Sinclair and Jan Polk.
Read 365 common, everyday courtesies written by Margery Sinclair.
Margery uses a humorous style to convey very important information
about life skills for your family, school, social, and business lives.
Margery tells you what you can do and a reason to use each tip.
You may even become charming after reading our book.
Jan Polk's Great American Flower Collection (GAFC) "respect series"
images are reminders to treat yourself and others with respect.
Wishing you peace, joy, respect, and safe travels during this holiday
season.
http://www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
http://www.janpolk.com
http://www.margerysinclair.com
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I am thankful to have loving family and friends who
are a treasure to be around. They hold dear the same
values we do: Freedom, hard work, personal responsibility,
civilized behavior, honesty, respect for the rule of law,
appreciation for life in the United States of America,
a belief in our lord Jesus Christ. Charity for those who
are in need.
We cannot choose our family, but we can choose our friends!
We can also choose our own behavior.
If you have been blessed with good health, you can do anything
you choose if you are willing to work for it. If you have good
health, you have hope.
Money appears to be the solution to all problems, but it
is not. If you do not treat yourself and others with dignity and
respect you will always have a void that you are trying to fill.
You cannot buy true friendship. When the money is gone,
those “friends” will be gone. Your true friends will be with you
in hard times as well as the good times. You have to be a
friend to have a friend.
If you have the love and respect of family and friends, you are
blessed. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
http://www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
are a treasure to be around. They hold dear the same
values we do: Freedom, hard work, personal responsibility,
civilized behavior, honesty, respect for the rule of law,
appreciation for life in the United States of America,
a belief in our lord Jesus Christ. Charity for those who
are in need.
We cannot choose our family, but we can choose our friends!
We can also choose our own behavior.
If you have been blessed with good health, you can do anything
you choose if you are willing to work for it. If you have good
health, you have hope.
Money appears to be the solution to all problems, but it
is not. If you do not treat yourself and others with dignity and
respect you will always have a void that you are trying to fill.
You cannot buy true friendship. When the money is gone,
those “friends” will be gone. Your true friends will be with you
in hard times as well as the good times. You have to be a
friend to have a friend.
If you have the love and respect of family and friends, you are
blessed. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
http://www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Election Day Today
Today is election day in the USA.
Voting is a privilege as well as a freedom
that you should not take for granted.
Vote for the person you view as the most honest.
The only solution to bad government is to
elect honorable, civilized, law abiding citizens.
An honorable person will not lie, cheat or steal
even when the opportunity presents itself. It is
the only way democracy works at its best.
We each can contribute to the strength of our
country by doing out part to be an honorable,
civilized, law abiding citizen and to teach
these values to our children.
When people cannot be trusted, no system will work.
Honorable, civilized, law abiding citizens know
how to work together for the good of all. It does
not matter which party they belong to. Diplomats
are noted for their good manners and the ability
to work together with people who do not share their
same views.
Vote today, November 8, 2011, and then plan to celebrate
Law Abiding Citizens Day (L.A.C. Day) this coming April 15, 2012
http://www.lacday.com
when we celebrate our common bonds and how much we are all
alike. United We Stand - Divided We Fall
Voting is a privilege as well as a freedom
that you should not take for granted.
Vote for the person you view as the most honest.
The only solution to bad government is to
elect honorable, civilized, law abiding citizens.
An honorable person will not lie, cheat or steal
even when the opportunity presents itself. It is
the only way democracy works at its best.
We each can contribute to the strength of our
country by doing out part to be an honorable,
civilized, law abiding citizen and to teach
these values to our children.
When people cannot be trusted, no system will work.
Honorable, civilized, law abiding citizens know
how to work together for the good of all. It does
not matter which party they belong to. Diplomats
are noted for their good manners and the ability
to work together with people who do not share their
same views.
Vote today, November 8, 2011, and then plan to celebrate
Law Abiding Citizens Day (L.A.C. Day) this coming April 15, 2012
http://www.lacday.com
when we celebrate our common bonds and how much we are all
alike. United We Stand - Divided We Fall
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Uncontrollable Anger?
Are you always yelling and screaming at family members?
The reason is because you feel they do not respect you.
Keep in mind, yelling does not beget the respect you want and need.
The solution is to give yourself permission to not
yell. You are giving yourself permission to yell;
therefore, you can just as easily give yourself permission
to not yell and you will then feel more in control. You can
do this. It is surprisingly easier than you may think.
Disregard what others are doing, and concentrate on your own
behavior and not yelling.
By not yelling at them, family members will then begin to feel you
are treating them with respect and will begin to show you
the same respect. It is called civilized behavior. Even small
children recognize when they are not being treated with respect.
The behavior they learn, they learn from their parents.
It takes practice to not yell. You can spend thousands of dollars
on therapy to find out why you yell. I can tell you it is because
you feel you are not getting the respect you need. It is our common
bond, we all want to be treated with respect.
For a simple investment of $27.95, you can buy our book "A Year of Good Manners"
by Margery Sinclair and Jan Polk which will give you 365 common, every day courtesy
tips and a reason to use each one.
Good Manners are Powerful and easy to learn. Do not underestimate how
helpful these tips are. They apply to every person regardless of
sex, age, color, education, health, wealth, religious or political
affiliations.
Margery Sinclair's motto is "Good Manners are Good Business."
Try it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You will
develop common sense, good self esteem, and a backbone just by
knowing respect and good manners.
Securely purchase your copy on line at www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
Read 15 weeks of tips at our website (scroll to the bottom of the page
when you get there). You will want to read all 365 tips in the book.
The reason is because you feel they do not respect you.
Keep in mind, yelling does not beget the respect you want and need.
The solution is to give yourself permission to not
yell. You are giving yourself permission to yell;
therefore, you can just as easily give yourself permission
to not yell and you will then feel more in control. You can
do this. It is surprisingly easier than you may think.
Disregard what others are doing, and concentrate on your own
behavior and not yelling.
By not yelling at them, family members will then begin to feel you
are treating them with respect and will begin to show you
the same respect. It is called civilized behavior. Even small
children recognize when they are not being treated with respect.
The behavior they learn, they learn from their parents.
It takes practice to not yell. You can spend thousands of dollars
on therapy to find out why you yell. I can tell you it is because
you feel you are not getting the respect you need. It is our common
bond, we all want to be treated with respect.
For a simple investment of $27.95, you can buy our book "A Year of Good Manners"
by Margery Sinclair and Jan Polk which will give you 365 common, every day courtesy
tips and a reason to use each one.
Good Manners are Powerful and easy to learn. Do not underestimate how
helpful these tips are. They apply to every person regardless of
sex, age, color, education, health, wealth, religious or political
affiliations.
Margery Sinclair's motto is "Good Manners are Good Business."
Try it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You will
develop common sense, good self esteem, and a backbone just by
knowing respect and good manners.
Securely purchase your copy on line at www.ayearofgoodmanners.com
Read 15 weeks of tips at our website (scroll to the bottom of the page
when you get there). You will want to read all 365 tips in the book.
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