Wednesday, November 19, 2014

You Say Potato, I Say Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! So glad you joined the fun here today. If you've answered the questions, add your link at the end of my post, then go say hi to the neighbors.  


1. What's something you take for granted, that when you stop and think about it you feel truly grateful for?

My health. I think when everything is rolling along with no real issues, I tend to forget (or at least not think about) what a gift my good health is.   

2. The color brown-love it or no? What's your favorite shade of brown? Most loved something in your home or closet in a shade of brown?

I favor warm woods like mahogany and cherry and have a lot of those in my home so yes, I like the color brown. In my closet I love the deep rich chocolate tones the best. My most loved something in a shade of brown would be my furry snow boots, which I will no doubt be wearing here pretty soon.

3. What's something you're looking forward to today?

I'm going for a dress fitting today for my mother of the bride dress. It would be way more exciting if the bride were here to go with me, but it's still pretty exciting.

4. The word 'feminism' is not new, but it has been generating all kinds of headlines in recent days and months. What do you think/feel when you hear the word? If you're a woman, do you want to be described as a feminist? Why or why not?

What do I think when I hear the word? 

Pass the Tylenol. 

Not that I'm against strong women because I happen to think I am one. Nor am I opposed to opportunity for women, BUT...like so.many.words. in our culture today, this one has taken on a life of it's own. It's become more than a word. Whenever an issue deteriorates into name calling I want to plug my ears and sing lalala. 

I hate the way our social and political vocabulary labels people. The way it sticks you in one camp or another based on your feelings about one small piece of very large and complex issues. That if you don't subscribe to all points under a particular argument you're out.  It all feels so unreasonable to me. 

I'm complicated. And strong. And not big on labels, feminist or otherwise.

5. What's something you personally can't eat without making a mess?

My family would say many things. I've got my mama's genes. I will say I've learned not to make or eat bolognese while wearing a white top. Or a light colored top. Or really any colored top that isn't protected by an apron. Even when I don't think I've splattered, I've usually somehow splattered. 

6. When did you last surprise someone with a little gift or when were you last surprised by someone with a little gift? What was it?

I bought four copies last week of Ann Voskamp's book The Greatest Gift, and sent them to some of my peeps.  The Greatest Gift is a beautifully written devotional for the season of advent. If you're looking for something to add quiet and meaning to your December I highly recommend. 

7. Share a favorite quote, saying, song lyric or scripture relating to gratitude.

'For each new morning with its light, 
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.'  
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

8.  Insert your own random question here.

So whenever I peel potatoes (and sometimes onions) I have a problem with my hands getting red and itchy. My family used to think I made that up to avoid peeling potatoes, but honestly I did not make that up.  Anyway, I probably haven't peeled a potato since last Christmas, because mashed potatoes have sadly been relegated to the rare treat column in my diet, but I do make an exception on Thanksgiving. 

Last week when Daughter1 and I were preparing our mini feast I whipped out my handy dandy official potato gloves. Yes they are so a real thing-


My girls put these in my Christmas stocking last year, and last week was the first time I had the opportunity to use them. I wasn't kidding when I said mashed potatoes are like gold around here in 2014. Anyway, the gloves worked. They're a kind of thick meshy material and I think they bought them at Bed Bath and Beyond. 

As an added random, that black taxi apron I'm wearing makes me ridiculously happy. Hi Louise! I don't know if she's reading this today, but we bought our aprons together at Harrods once upon a time, and whenver I wear it I think of her. 

30 comments:

  1. I like those gloves! :) I feel the same way about feminism. I know i am not the strong type, but i try anyway!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love that taxi apron! (and the cute pic). I also bought multiple copies of Ann Voskamp's Advent book last week, and for the same reason! It was too good not to share with other friends with young families. Thanks for the Hodgepodge again, Joyce!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Boots, uhhhhh. It's 11 here this morning, but not any snow to speak of. Just thankful we don't live in Buffalo!
    You look so cute in your apron!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Health was also an answer for me. I feel the same about feminism. I know you will look stunning/beautiful today in your mother-of -the bride dress!!--can;t wait for pics(which I know will be after wedding)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes, health is certainly a "day breaker". if you have good health you got it all! We all need to value our bodies and treat them well! And… I'm not into the feminist label either. I'm wondering tho…am I missing out on the recent fuss about it? Fill me in. I love your potato gloves! Some marketing genius thought of them! It helps that they are cute!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Loving those potato gloves. I must get some.

    ReplyDelete
  7. "Pass the tylenol", great answer! LOL
    As for potato gloves, I never knew there was such a thing! You live and you learn :)
    Enjoy your dress fitting!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Well, potatoes aren't indulged in around here much either but I had no idea they made gloves to wear while peeling them. Love learning something new! And, I think it is so neat that you and your daughter did a trial run on a Thanksgiving meal, she'll remember that forever. And, think a lot of us where on the same page on #1 with health being our answer. Happy Wednesday to you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love the apron and the gloves! My hands don't get red and itchy, but I am very accomplished at cutting myself whenever I am using something sharp. Maybe the gloves would help with that, too! LOL Another great Hodgepodge!! Thanks, Joyce!

    ReplyDelete
  10. We only eat mashed potatoes during Thanksgiving and Christmas, sadly enough, but I think those gloves of yours are pretty snazzy! Hope you have a fun time at your dress fitting today...puts you one step closer to the big day!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm excited for you for the dress fitting! It's getting ...cloooosssseeerrrr!!

    Well stated point of view of feminism. I hate labels, too. Underneath all the shouting, finger-pointing, and brashiness are most often some very hurting women. I try to remember that whenever I'm tempted to judge them. The feeling of "never quite good enough" is from Satan himself, and several times in my life I've felt that way, so I get the defensiveness (and offensive) behavior that is a coping mechanism.

    Oh, and wearing a white top is essentially the same thing for me as wearing a button that says 'Spill here."

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your taxi apron is very cute! And what a clever solution to the peeling potato problem!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I hope you have fun at your dress fitting. Cute apron!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Potatoes are not on my menu list either anymore, but I am totally intrigued by those gloves! Who knew? Have fun at the fitting today! I was dieting till the last minute for mine, and suddenly it was upon me and the day before I was RUSHING around trying to find appropriate undergarments. I wouldn't recommend it, lol...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi, Joyce!

    Ya know...I have seen the colors black & white popping up together in a lot of places lately. I have decided I really like it. Love your picture! I have a friend who painted her bathroom black and has white in there too. Not sure about that, but I do like the accent of the colors.

    Potato gloves...hmmm...that's a first for me.
    I do love the oven gloves, though.
    So much better than the traditional mitts.

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Have fun at your fitting today. I haven't read that book but it was sweet of you to send them out to your peeps. Those are some cool gloves. We will be having potatoes at Thanksgiving but I doubt I will be eating any. I love the apron and Harrod's is so much fun to shop at!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Potato gloves? Who knew? My hands get itchy when working with pumpkin:). I LOVE Ann Voskamp. It try to do her gratitude challenge where she gives you 3 things to look for throughout your day.
    Have fun at the fitting today!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I so agree with your answer to the feminism question. It's too bad we can't discuss or resolve issues like mature adults should. Well said, Joyce. Also, I never heard of people reacting to potatoes or onions like you describe. The potato gloves made me laugh. Enjoy your week and stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love the apron. I never remember to wear the ones I have and my pants show it when I'm done cooking or baking. Need to remember to wear the apron...

    ReplyDelete
  20. Well said on the feminism comment! I wish I would have read yours before I wrote mine!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great post, thanks for sharing. We have lots of wood in our home as well.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I used The Greatest Gift last year and loved how it helped to keep my mind in the right place. I just recieved her new book, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift, in the mail and I am so looking forward to reading it this year with my family. I appreciated your answer about feminism! Happy dress fitting day!

    ReplyDelete
  23. It's amazing how words evolve. I have an early 1900s dictionary and in that the definition for feminist is "a lesbian." There are so many words today that I think someone throws a definition on and then see if it sticks in the public world.

    I have some things that just always make me think of someone in particular when I use them. Those things are the most special ones.

    Happy to be posting not just reading some of the Hodge Podge this week! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. We answered the same for making a mess. Hope your dress fitting goes well.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I think we agree on the whole feminist thing. I think. ha.
    If I had an apron that cute I'd be more apt to put one on while making spaghetti! Just sayin'

    ReplyDelete
  26. I hope the dress fitting goes well! Maybe your sweet daughter can be there via phone? It's better than nothing. :) We finally got some cold weather--the 20s! Can you believe it???? I've been a happy camper! Potato gloves. I've got to check those out!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh, my goodness! Your picture with the Taxi apron and potato gloves is just too cute! I understand about mashed potatoes...really... it's so sad... I also understand about bolognesse... I really need an apron for eating! My family laughs at me when I tuck a napkin into the top of my shirt. Let them laugh! I liked your view on "feminism" and any other label and also liked Zoanna's comment regarding it... I feel the same way, but she expressed it so much more nicely than I... I kind of left out my Christian responsibility and now I want to go back and add to my answer... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oops! Sorry about that, Joyce. I relinked with the correct stuff...I hope. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  29. This was a fun read. Love your apron! BTW, love your blog so I'll be back soon!

    ReplyDelete