Monday, November 15, 2010

Hitch Your Wagon to a Star…

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Hello, dear friends!

Another busy weekend come and gone…where does the time go?!

One little card to share with you today…and just a bit of a story to go along with it…


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A sweet little vintage image from Crafty Secrets’ “Vintage Photo” Creative Scraps…just about my favorite set!

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“Hitch your wagon to a star”, it says…so that’s exactly what I did!

My daughter Sarah drew the star for me…I’ve never been very good at stars!  Covered it with Crystal Effects, then literally smothered it with chunky, clear German glass glitter & a bit of Dazzling Diamonds for extra sparkle…

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…it’s fat and heavy and looks like the most scrumptious star-shaped sugar cookie!

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Some lovely seam binding courtesy of Miss Martha Stewart along with a beautifully aged mother-of-pearl button…a bit of platinum Stickles for framing, lace & that’s about it!

The wagon with the little cuties in it reminded me of a few of my family pictures, of course…

Dow was born in the quiet little Alberta town of Stirling…surrounded by a loving family, lots of cousins and friends, and his grandfather Theodore’s farm…which included the billy goat we see here…

Dow with billy goat cart, 1918, 6 yrs. old

When my grandfather (Dow) was ill with Parkinson’s Disease, but before he was no longer able to speak, I  sat down with him to try and capture some of his earliest memories.

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It was such a gift for me to see his sad eyes begin to sparkle like a little boy’s as he began to remember…

Dow 1916, 1

…and the words—not many were spoken at this time in his life—began to come more quickly and easily as happy memories came to the forefront of his mind…I wrote down every precious word.

He said that his grandfather “bought an express wagon and a billy goat for (his) Uncle Noel, and one afternoon when they had the billy goat hooked up to the express wagon and Grandfather was bending down to talk to a child, the billy goat butted him in the rear end.  I saw it.  He got up and brushed himself off….He swore in German a lot….”! 

I still chuckle whenever I think of this little story…and I remember my grandfather’s deep, wonderful chuckle as he related it to me…

Dow with cousins by the turkey gobbler

Here’s Dow pushing his cousin Delight on the swing about 1918…look at all her beautiful hair!

The cousins in front sit with the “turkey gobbler”, as my grandfather called him…this critter scared little Dow to death, and he often taunted it then ran for his life into the house, screaming “The turkey gobbler is the devil!”

Dow with relatives

Dow sitting in front with cousins and aunties…

Dow & some cousins

…one more…I just couldn’t resist…aren’t these just the most wonderful childhood pictures?!


Now…how about some of the most amazing cinnamon rolls I’ve every had in my life?  (Sorry, Mom!)

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GINGERBREAD CINNAMON BUNS

1/4 cup warm water (105-115 degrees F)
2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/3 cup molasses
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. salt
3 3/4 to 4 cups flour

In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast, stirring to dissolve yeast.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  Stir in evaporated milk, molasses, 1/4 cup brown sugar, egg, oil, and salt.  Stir in as much of the flour as you can.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.  Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total).  Shape dough into  a ball.  Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in size (1 to 1 1/2 hours).

Punch dough down.  Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.  Cover and let stand for 10 minutes.  Lightly grease a 13x9” baking pan; set aside.

Combine the ingredients for the filling.

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FOR FILLING:

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
2 Tbsp. butter, softened

Roll dough into a 12x8” rectangle.  Spread dough with butter.  Sprinkle with filling, leaving 1 inch unfilled along one of the long sides.  Roll up rectangle, starting from the filled long side.  Pinch dough to seal seams.  Cut into 12 slices.  Arrange in the prepared pan.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size (about 45 minutes).

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool in pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

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Drizzle with Spiced Glaze.  Makes 12 buns.

SPICED GLAZE:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 Tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla

(From Better Homes and Gardens “Holiday Baking” magazine 2010)

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YUM.  I can’t even begin to tell you how fabulous these are!  They were even better the next morning, which was hard to believe!

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Perfection!

I hope you have a most beautiful day…enjoy every moment.  Think back to your childhood.  Take a ride in a wagon (or your minivan!).  Gaze up at the stars.  Eat a warm, gooey cinnamon roll.  Chuckle…Make a memory!

See you soon with something new…

Julie


29 comments:

  1. Lovely card...and story...jummie...love the cookies!!

    Hugs,Willy

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  2. Beautiful post, Julie :) I will have to try these rolls, they look delish! Love the card and the words "Hitch your wagon to a star!"

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  3. Oh Gosh Julie, those cinnamon rolls look wonderfully scrummy!! I will have to make these. I love your newest card. Once again you amaze me with your talents. I also loved reading about your Grandfather. What a sweet little boy he was. I loved all the family pictures! Sending lots of love anf hugs your way on a sunny November afternoon! xxoo

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  4. Hi Julie, such a lovely post and card. Dow and Delight -- now those are charming names. Such great family photos and stories. And the cinnamon buns -- I don't even want to think about how good they are. :) Best wishes, Tammy

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  5. Julie,
    You made my morning, once again. I'm in heaven with your family photos. Tammy is spot on with her comment about their lovely names. I'm so curious about the origin of your Grandfather's name Dow. Was that a family name? The photographs are priceless, and your darling Grandfather was just as handsome as a mature adult, as he was a precious child. What beautiful smiles they all had. I know what you mean about when our older relatives get that sparkle in their eyes, when asked to reminisce about their past. Sadly, many people never take the time or interest to ask. But as the "keepers of memories," we know better. Fabulous post...including those delicious looking gingerbread cinnamon buns, and of course, your lovely card.
    Best wishes for a fabulous week ahead!
    Maureen

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  6. No way.....these cinni buns look amazing...I will be making these!!!

    Sweet friend pop on over and visit me...I need your mailing address as you won some of Pixi Dust Paperie cards....please email me and I can get them out in the mail to you.


    Hugs oxoxox

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  7. And Ms Julie... HOW MANY CALORIES ARE THESE LITTLE TREASURES???? None if I look at them on your blog & a million if I put them in my mouth. But, it would be worth the amount of exercise to burn them off. Thanks for sharing. And that star did look JUST like a sugar cookie. I JUST ADORE YOUR BLOG! Thank you for always sharing!!!! HUGS!
    Charlene

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  8. What a sweet and enjoyable post to read. I loved the stories of your grandfathers'. I think it was a great idea to write those memories down to share with future generations.

    The recipe looks delicious! I may have to try it out the morning after Thanksgiving.

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  9. that star DOES look like a sweet sugar cookie...
    love your story...and be still my heart!!!
    CinniBUNS :D i can smell them from here ~
    Congrats on getting some of Koralee's giveaway!
    ~victoria~

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  10. I love the card and the sweet stories and this delicious recipe...thanks for sharing every bit of it! ;D

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  11. Such a lovely post. That is a beautiful card! I love all of the layers. I enjoyed reading your story, too.
    Thank you for the recipe! They look delicious!

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  12. Hi Julie! I know I always say this but your family stories and those precious photos are always so charming! What a beautiful little boy he was, and his sisters as well...I LOVE your card, and you're right, that is the most delicious looking star I've ever seen!...and talk about delicious...my mouth started watering as soon as I set eyes on those buns!...I'M MAKING THOSE!!! Thank for always sharing your delightful stories, your beautiful creations, and your scrumptious recipes! Have a lovely week! xo Paulette

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  13. Julie,
    I dont know anyone whom have such acknowlage about family, like you,--it must be wonderfull, to have all those memories,and beautifull photoes from dayes gone,with dear family members.
    And you are such a bussy woman, with making life beautifull, for you and your family,-and for us, --with your lovely art, and mouth watering perschriptions .
    Thanks,dear.
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  14. Hello Julie... I always love to visit here and read about your wonderful memories and see photos of your family... how precious that you were able to write down everything as your grandfather told it, with a twinkle in his eyes... brings tears to my eyes (happy tears though!)... that little star does look just like a most scrumptious sugar cookie! Thanks for sharing another great recipe... today, I have spent much of my time reminiscing about my childhood too as I unpack my vintage Christmas decorations... love to you... xoxo Julie Marie

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  15. Aloha Julie;
    What a wonderful post! I love how your star looks like a real cookie.
    The story of your family is heartwarming and finally, I can't wait to try your cinnamon rolls, they look scrumptious.
    I so enjoyed my visit with you today,hugs.

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  16. Hi Julie, You've made another sweet card and again it was accompanied by a wonderful story of your family. I wish I ever had the chance to ask my grandfathers some questions about their childhood.
    Your cinnamon buns look very delicious and I'm getting hungry over here :-). I've saved the recipe and will try those soon.
    Hugs to you,
    Julia

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  17. Hi Julie

    Bag blogger here, can only apologise I've missed some posts, just not enough hours at the mo.

    More interesting reading and recipes. The picture of the buggy reminds me of one similar of my paternal grandfather who like us had horses.

    And those cinnamom buns look gorgeous, can almost smell the aroma.


    B x

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  18. Hello my friend! Your card is as gorgeous as ever and your daughter's star does certainly look 'good enough to eat'!!
    Thanks for the amazing old family photos & stories ... it's always such a treat to stop by for a glimpse into your family history!
    And of course those yummy looking cinnamon rolls look awesome! It's very early here in Ohio ... had to have hubby at the airport before 5 AM for his business trip ... that means I'm wide awake so decided to do a little comment catching up!! You, my dear, were of course my first stop!
    Have a wonderful day ... I miss you ... seems we are both so busy these days we don't have the time to chit-chat as we once did! Keep up the AMAZING work ... it's wonderful!

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  19. Julie I love your blog. love your stories and your creations. and those cinnamon rolls... eiy yie yie! I think I would not be able to stop at one! Also, your glittered star pic, looks like a yummy sugar cookie!
    have a great week
    hugs
    vivian

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  20. Hi Julie! I had to
    dance right over here
    and see what you are
    up to {hee hee}! What
    a SWEET post, from
    beginning to end. LOVE
    the story about Dow
    {and love his cousin's name,
    too} and I what a loving
    thing to do, writing down
    his memories : ) Your
    card really captures that
    feeling of sweet childhood.
    And those rolls.....don't
    get me started.....YUM!!
    xx Suzanne

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  21. Dear Julie, besides loving your family stories and your craftings and cookings, the most I´m fond of is about you preserving the family history and passing it down to your own family.
    Really for me there is not much knowing about my ancestors, don´t really know why but things went like this, I would have loved to talk to my grand parents searching as many stories and photos as you did.
    muchos cariños
    maria cecilia

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  22. Dear Julie, You are a Dazzling Diamond yourself! You treat us to such beauty and grace with both your words and cards and you fill our minds with mouth watering recipes to try. These ingredients will definitely be on my Thanksgiving shopping list this week! Have a lovely day! Elizabeth PS I will be mailing tags today!

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  23. ... please forgive my english, perhaps it´s so funny to read...!!

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  24. Now thats some sugar coated goodness, not just your card with the adorable star!!!but the cinnamon rolls too. I used to have a great recipe, but lost it along the years, I copied yours and can't wait to try it. Thanks Hun!

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  25. Hi Julie--Oh my gosh, what a darling story, beautiful art, and scrumptious looking cinnamon rolls!!! I need to come and get one...lol
    I hope you're doing great...and everyone really enjoyed your beautiful cards!!!
    XO

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  26. Beautiful post Julie! Your card is wonderful and that star..., wow!
    Hugs!

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  27. Love you star, and it does look just like a sugar cookie... and what a wonderful story about your grandfather!!! OMG, those cinnamon rolls looks so yummy... thanks so much for the recipe!
    hugs~~~ Daphne

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  28. Thanks for sharing those dear stories about your Grandfather. That star does look like a scrumptious sugar cookie - I LOVE the card! Speaking of scrumptious - the cinnamon rolls - helllloooo? YUM-O!! Thanks again for sharing! {HUGS} Heidi

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  29. I love your posts, Julie--and I need to start trying your yummy-looking recipes--thank you for sharing all this!!!!

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