Holiday Party Speech

I watched this great Ted Talk about body language changing your life and realized that I will be making not one but three holiday party speeches this year.

After several google searches and multiple pages of results I have elected to write my own and am sharing it with the hope that a speech giver who dose not see the need to re invent the wheel can use this.

The following is being given at three different American Red Cross holiday parties in East Texas 2013

Good Evening volunteers, staff and friends. If I could pull your attention for a few moments. 2013 has been an amazing year for us at the Red Cross. We have seen our volunteer grow in numbers and in responsibility. We have been able to help those in need in a timely, respectful and professional way. we have had our bumps as we have seen changes and begun the process of reengineering, however 24/7 our communities are getting to know us and giving us the opportunity to serve them.

I came to East Texas thrilled to be joining one of the largest most respected volunteer driven organizations in the world and after year of long days and hard work I understand how very much of our organization depends on each and every one of you.

Thank you all for giving me and the Red Cross of East Texas one of the best years ever.

Please raise your glasses

May y'all have warmth in your igloo, oil in your lamp, and peace in your heart.

Cheers

Mini Blackberry Pies.... thanks Katie!

A dear college friend of mine is a fabulous food blogger and from time to time I go to her blog: http://makingmichaelpollanproud.blogspot.com/ to find inspiration for a weekend cooking/ baking endeavor.

Today she has inspired me to make mini blackberry pies. I want to skip a trip to the store so will be utilizing jiffy pie crust mix made according to the box.

For the filling - inspired by: http://bakedsundaymornings.blogspot.com/

2 tablespoons honey
dash of salt
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoons all purpose flour

The remaining bag of frozen blackberries I found when cleaning out my freezer

Any good weekend baking endeavor has a soundtrack, this weekend is Jake Bugg Radio on Pandora.

Bake the Mini Pies at 350F for 20 min 

I like my pie extra sweet so I added some white sugar on top before serving

Little Free Library

The Little Free Library is a project I simply adore. Learn more at http://littlefreelibrary.org/ 

The city of Kilgore has taken this project on and several of the local parks now are home to little libraries!  

My neighborhood park, Drillers Park, has one of these and i stop by and check it several times a week. While this is a recent addition to our community is looks as if its getting a decent start with a rotation of a variety of book. If your moving to Kilgore I would highly suggest finding the location closest to you and making it part of your weekly Kilgore Experience!

Fort Worth Zoo

Needing to expand beyond East Texas I headed over to Fort Worth Zoo. Its a solid 2.5 hrs drive but if you have friends in the area it makes a good weekend excursion. The zoo itself is overpriced but of good quality. The highlight that made the who trip more than worth it was the two baby elephants. The zoo has a viewing schedule for these little elephants but you do have ample opportunity to take in the adorableness of two tiny elephants a rare opportunity that should not be missed.

Our Additions to Kilgore little library

 The little library project is on of the coolest community based education movements I have encountered.  Ian saw this great post on dump a day where they added googley eyes to classic fiction. We instantly knew we needed to do something similar and add it to our neighborhoods little library. Not having an abundance of classic fiction to donate we went to our star book shelf and had these great creations as a result.   

Glamping in east Texas - Cooper Lake State Park

Just under 2 hours drive from Kilgore Tx, we visited yet another gem in the Texas state parks system. Cooper State Park. With two units, one on the north end and one on the south end of the lake. We came upon the north end and were impressed with the friendly staff, clean facilities and well maintained trails.

The fall colors during a morning hike down by the lake gave us a glimpse some rare and wonderful colors.

At $25 a night you get a screened shelter with a fan and overhead light. Just dreamy and a great way to "camp" during a major storm system.

Texas Tea Room

Carthage Tx is a must visit town during your East Texas vacation. A historic little town with the quintessential downtown plaza square. On this square you find a lovely park and gazebo in the center opposed to the court houses that so many others have. the shops around the square have your typical: CPA, Printing and other not so interesting locations but you will find a used clothing shop, a very stylish new clothing shop, a clothing shop that also installs speakers in your car and the Texas Tea Room.

The Texas Tea room is in a historic building that shows off its charm. Exposed original walls, restrooms with parlors, outdoor tables and an appetizing menu make this a top choice for your afternoon in Carthage.

I would encourage you to stay the night, eat dinner at jalapeno tree and rent the Jack Black movie Bernie just to ensure you take in the full potential of the town.

I have been told the country music museum is a great time and hopefully my next trip down I can give it a visit.