I Did It

I gave in and read The Giver by Lois Lowery.

In fact, I just finished reading this award-winning novel a scant twenty minutes ago. When my twelve-year-old daughter asked me, "So, did you like your book?" I simply asked for more time to contemplate my position. 

My initial feelings upon completion are:

-The characterization and descriptive language was spot on, for my liking.

-I was quite taken with the development toward the climax, but I was quite let down by the resolution of said climax.

-The last few chapters seemed to rush into an expected spectacular finale; however, at the end, I was left with a deep feeling of disappointment.

With all this in mind, I am pretty certain that I still enjoyed reading this novel, despite its lackluster ending. In time, and with further reflection, I believe I may even find some deeper meaning in the ending Lowery wrote.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 6

As I posted today on Facebook, I need to refocus my trust in God to provide what we truly need, so I think it is time to start up some thankful posting.

Today, I am thankful for the generosity of strangers.  I was given some free alpaca merino wool in my favorite color from an incredible company, Shibui Knits, after commenting on their Ravelry page that I fell in love with their merino worsted yarn just before they discontinued it.  As in, I did not know it was discontinued until I went back to buy more less than a week after I bought the first skein.  

Today, Shibui posted a link to a free pattern on their Facebook page.  It happens to be for a gorgeous cowl in the exact color and yarn that they sent me to try for free.  What a blessing!  I am so in love with this pattern, and I cannot wait to make one for myself.  Thank you, Shibui Knits, for being a stand-up company that really aims to please its customers.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ma1

No, Dominos, That's Not Technically Gluten-Free

So, today I get an email from Dominos that proudly claims that they now have gluten-free crusts.  Then, they tell you to read a disclaimer which states:

"Domino’s pizza made with a Gluten Free Crust is prepared in a common kitchen with the risk of gluten exposure. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness supports the availability of Domino’s Gluten Free Crust, but CANNOT recommend the pizza for customers with celiac disease. Customers with gluten sensitivities should exercise judgment in consuming this pizza."

So, no, that's not technically gluten-free.  While they have the best of intentions, Dominos is showing a lack of research and basic knowledge concerning cooking for Celiac sufferers.  My husband would practically give his left leg to be able to order pizza for delivery again, but he is not willing to take this sort of risk.

If a Celiac were to try this "GF" pizza, which has a fair likelihood of becoming contaminated by wheat flour, the repercussions could be extreme.  Luckily for him, my husband's reaction is GI-related.  My poor eight-year-old daughter would have extreme mood swings for the subsequent six weeks in addition to the GI-related issues.  In short, the consequences outweigh the risk.  By a mile.

While I applaud your effort to help those with gluten allergies and intolerances feel a bit more normal, you missed the mark a bit on this one.

My Favorite Peanut Butter

We have tried so many different kinds of natural and organic peanut butters in the past year, and we finally found the one to call our favorite: creamy Maranatha Organic Peanut Butter with a hint of sea salt. Love this stuff!