When You're Bored

Picture a Day #300 – Not Another Oatmeal Cookie Recipe!

Posted on November 3, 2012 by joanienaz

OK, so I have a thing for oatmeal cookies. Someday I will write a cookbook full of oatmeal cookie recipes. For now, add this one to the list.

Carrot Pineapple Oatmeal Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil a 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 2 eggs.

Add 1 cup grated carrot and 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained. Combine 1 and 1/2 cups unbleached flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add to the first mixture and mix well.

Stir in 3 cups oats, 1 cup golden raisins, 1 cup chocolate chips, and 1 cup chopped almonds.

Spread the dough in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a fork inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool and cut into 24 bars.

Rich and gooey, but wholesome ingredients!

Posted in DIY, home, photography, picture a day | Tagged baking, carrot pineapple, food, home, oatmeal cookies, photography, postaday, recipe | 1 Comment

Picture a Day #299 – Ready, Set, Go NaNoWriMo!

Posted on November 2, 2012 by joanienaz

Yesterday was the first of November, and I got off to a slow start on my 50,000 words in celebration of National Novel Writing Month. Last year was my first. I won, completing my goal by November 30th. I have a lot to live up to this year.

Recently I returned from a week-long trip into the Four Corners area of the southwestern US. It was natural for me to plan my new novel’s setting in this part of the country. Now I am ready to make it happen.

Here is my picture of the day to put me in a southwestern state of mind. It is a Pinon pine tree with open, seed-bearing cones, taken in the Four Corners area of Southwestern Colorado.

Posted in DIY, nature, photography, picture a day, travel, writing | Tagged Colorado, Four Corners, Nanowrimo, National Novel Writing Month, nature, photography, Pinon pine, postaday, Southwest, travel | Leave a comment

Picture a Day #298 – Moon in Pink

Posted on November 1, 2012 by joanienaz

The moon approached the western horizon as a storm moved in on Wednesday morning.

Posted in nature, photography, picture a day | Tagged California, clouds, moon, nature, photography, postaday | 1 Comment

Picture a Day #297 – Halloween Visitor

Posted on October 31, 2012 by joanienaz

This horseman lost his head over the Halloween celebration at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, California.

Posted in art, DIY, photography, picture a day | Tagged art, California, Grass Valley, Halloween, headless horseman, Nevada County, photography, postaday | Leave a comment

Picture a Day #296 – My Completed Watercolor Arch

Posted on October 30, 2012 by joanienaz

Not exactly red rock, but this arch is inspired by the marvelous formations of southeastern Utah. I added some details to yesterday’s work, using Alizarin Crimson along with my other hues, and I am finished. Now I think I’ll try something brighter.

Posted in art, DIY, nature, picture a day, travel | Tagged arch, art, nature, painting, postaday, Prismacolor pencils, southeastern Utah, travel, watercolor | Leave a comment

Picture a Day #295 – A Southwestern Watercolor

Posted on October 29, 2012 by joanienaz

My recent trip across the southwestern US motivated me to try a watercolor landscape of the red rock country of southeastern Utah. This particular project was inspired by Landscape Arch in Arches National Park. I hope to capture the feeling that you can reach right out and touch the monoliths that dominate the terrain in this part of the country.

I began with a Prismacolor pencil outline using Goldenrod, and blocked in the rock area with Yellow Ochre watercolor.

Next I used Prussian Blue to define the sky and some shadows.

I continued to layer Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Red Light, and Cadmium Yellow Pale.

It is not finished yet. I still need to add some more contrast and details. Time to step back and meditate!

Posted in art, DIY, nature, picture a day, travel | Tagged Arches National Park, art, drawing, nature, painting, postaday, Prismacolor pencils, red rock, travel, watercolor | Leave a comment

Picture a Day #294 – October Marigold

Posted on October 28, 2012 by joanienaz

This late season marigold is ready for Dia de los Muertos later this week!

Posted in history, nature, photography, picture a day | Tagged Dia de los Muertos, marigolds, nature, photography, postaday | 4 Comments

Picture a Day #293 – Neighborhood Giants Fan

Posted on October 27, 2012 by joanienaz

Giants fans are everywhere! Here is some driveway art from my neighborhood.

Posted in art, DIY, home, photography, picture a day | Tagged art, baseball, California, chalk art, drawing, home, photography, postaday, SF Giants, World Series | Leave a comment

Picture a Day #291 – Apple Muffins for a Blustery Day

Posted on October 25, 2012 by joanienaz

When you are wrapped in your warmest fuzzies against the first cold storm of the season, it must be time for golden muffins fresh from the oven. What better way to celebrate apple season than with apple muffins? If you happen to have some home-made jam, even better! Here is my recipe for chasing away the chills:

Apple Muffins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil 12 muffin cups (standard size).

Combine 2 cups unbleached flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon.

Add 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 2 eggs. Blend.

Stir in 2 cups grated apple, 1/2 cup chopped nuts of your choice (I used almonds this time), and 1/2 cup golden raisins.

Put the batter in the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a fork inserted into the center of a muffin comes out dry, and the muffins are golden brown. Remove from pans and serve warm, or cool on wire rack and store in airtight container. Makes 12.