Get behind the wheel! This isn’t a driverless car. Remember the Three Ingredients Serial is driven by you sending me “ingredients” (preferably three food-related things) to include in the story. There’s no telling what road the story will take, until you send the “ingredients” that point the direction. So get your mental wheels turning. Loosen up and let your thoughts flow wherever they may. … More You’re Driving — Three Ingredients
Welcome back to the 1920’s everyone. Since we last met my country had a birthday. Hopefully all of you in the USA had a fun Independence Day. Wherever you are I hope life is just the berries for you! Today’s “ingredients” come to you from the Land of Enchantment (that’s New Mexico) via RC, my inspiring friend. … More Three Ingredients II – 4: Ice, Squash, Goat’s Milk
Oh applesauce! You might think this is a new episode and I don’t want to tease you… Sorry, but it’s not more of the serial – I’m just telling you about something new. Cookbook-II Jar of Spooky Things When I was doing my “Three Things” writing exercise (which inspired our first “interactive” serial) I made a … More Three Ingredients Jar of Spooky Things
Today’s ingredients are from Suzanne at A Pug in the Kitchen. I’m so excited on her behalf, because her recipe won a Whole Foods Market contest Your Best Drink for a Crowd! She didn’t know I was going to share that, but I’m pleased as punch. Or should I say that I’m silly over this slushy? Next week’s ingredients … More Three Ingredients II – 3: Aspic, Quail, Puff Pastry
As I get to know each reader, all of you manage to become my heroes and sheroes. I hope you’re able to step outside yourselves and see the obstacles you’ve overcome and the things you’ve achieved the way I see them. I’m proud to know each and every one of you. During the relatively brief time I’ve been … More Three Ingredients II – 2: Stilton Cheese, Rum, Pine Nuts
Hello and welcome back! I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’ve been patient during the past couple of weeks, while I got ready for Cookbook-2 of our Three Ingredients Serial. The first set of “ingredients” for Cookbook-2 came from Evelyne Holingue. I guess they’re leftovers, because I’ve been hanging onto them. Evelyne sent them just before the … More Cookbook-2 Begins! Cherries, Mascarpone, Marsala
Prepping the Kitchen for Cookbook-2 For the past ten years or so, I’ve felt very lucky to have a work schedule that gives me every other Friday off. In a two week pay period, week-1 has me working four 9-hour days and one 8-hour day. While week-2 lets me work just four 9-hour days. But when … More Prep for Cookbook-2: Interview with Daisy
It came as a very pleasant surprise when CB sent the ingredients for today’s episode. CB is new to the blogosphere. That information was unexpected, because I think “Better Dressed than Joe” is a great blog, with posts that are quick, evocative, and charming — and delightful sketches too. It’s not something I’d expect from a beginner. I … More Three Ingredients – 24: Aubergine, Thyme, Red Pepper
Don’t stray — Episode-24 is headed your way You’re used to the new episodes of The Three Ingredients culinary mystery serial appearing on Saturdays. This week getting it finished within that self-imposed deadline seemed like a big challenge. I didn’t want anyone to feel abandoned if I didn’t get this post out until tomorrow. So … More Three Ingredients: Stay Tuned for the Parade of Pets
Welcome back! Can you tell that I’m excited about this episode? The ingredients for this episode are from Willy Nilly, writer of the blog Willy Nilly To and Fro ~ The Philosophy of Inanity. However, there’s nothing willy-nilly or disorganized about the stories and posts you’ll find there. I hope you’ll pay a visit to Willy … More Three Ingredients – 23: Seaweed Sheets, Rice, Sesame Oil
Hello friends — old, new, and as yet unmet! Welcome to this character recap of the Three Ingredients serial I feel huge gratitude for all of your comments and encouragement. The Three Ingredients is the second storyline we’ve done in this “interactive” format. For new reader-friends, I call it interactive because the story is moved forward by … More Three Ingredients: Character Recap
Hello everyone, This vintage illustration of a “Queen of the May” from a bygone day immediately made me think of Daisy, “the dainty dish” mentioned in our previous episode. She has the ethereal beauty of a romantic heroine. The image popped up in a timely way too, because the ingredients for today’s episode were provided by a … More Three Ingredients – 22: Black Olives, Mascarpone, Thyme
Happy May Day Since it’s actually still April (here anyway) forgive me for being early. For a moment I deluded myself that I could do a mid-week episode of our 1920’s serial (and I might add that it’s coming along nicely, if I do say so myself). However, that was more than I can manage … More Happy May Day
I hope everyone had a wonderful week. The characters in our 1920’s story might have been worried though. The “ingredients cupboards” are bare! The main idea behind this serial is to involve you readers, via the food-related things (the ingredients) you send. Now, you wouldn’t want Granny Fanny to worry, or Cracker to stop getting into trouble … More Three Ingredients – 21: Lettuce, Beet, Stew
Hello everyone. My heartfelt thanks to all of you for coming back. You supply the “ingredients” that built the mysteries in our 1920’s story — that’s what makes the serial interactive. Now our story is drawing closer to revealing some of the answers to those questions and mysteries. Without further ado, here is Episode-20. Bon appétit! 20. … More Three Ingredients – 20: Beef Drippings, Dandelion & Burdock, Salmon
? ? ? Hello everyone — Pip here! Say, has anybody seen the Writer? I’ve got to tell you that I’m pretty miffed… She’s left me hanging around for the past couple of weeks with only half of my memory. Worse, when she should be dreaming of things to make my life interesting, she is busy with … More Three Ingredients – ?, ?, ?
Thanks for coming back everyone! I’m sorry I couldn’t provide an episode last weekend. So before I introduce the new episode, here’s a little treat to get you back into a 1920’s mood. The ingredients for today’s episode are from Catherine Wolffe, a writer who (like me) enjoys experimenting with the various genres. But whatever the style … More Three Ingredients – 19: Sugar, Salt, Strawberries
Hello everyone, I think this is the first weekend that I’ve failed to give you a serial episode since we started this, way back with the Three Things. So I hope you will tune in next weekend to find out what is happening with Pip, Granny Fanny, Cracker the Parrot, and the rest of the … More Three Ingredients – Stay Tuned
Dear readers, I’m finally back to following my own rules — working “three ingredients” into the serial episode, and treating you to recipes or videos, and some factual information along the way. Ingredients for this episode are from my very talented friend Ishita. To be fair — no, Ishita didn’t give us an unappetizing sounding … More Three Ingredients – 18: Fungus, Quiche, Quinoa
Hello all, This weekend I am unfortunately pressed for time. So I didn’t follow my “rule of three” and write about three ingredients. However, I did pick one food and worked into the idea of Pip feeling she is in limbo. Next time I’ll go back to that rule of three. Episode-18 will be about the ingredients … More Three Ingredients – 17: Rutabaga Limbo
Hello everyone. I hope you like the new look for Teagan’s Books. I thought the new theme with the little houses and trees was a good fit for our 1920’s serial. In a way it reminds me of my fictional town, Atonement, TN — so it will do for posts about my novel as well. Episode-16 … More Three Ingredients – 16: Pork, Braise, Fork
Today’s “ingredients” are from my dear friend Nancy, from my Albuquerque days – however, she lives in California now. She went to one coast and I went to the other, but we try to keep in touch. Nancy has a fondness for little poodles, so I’m throwing a poodle into this episode as a bonus. I hope … More Three Ingredienst – 15: Chicken, Meatloaf, Cookies
Lucky 13 — that’s how I’ve always thought of the number. There have been cliffhangers in our serial lately. Will Episode-13 be lucky for the characters? Ishita at Kooky Cookyng supplied the “ingredients” today. She playfully threw me a curve with “microwave.” It took a bit of storytelling for me to work that into a 1920’s … More Three Ingredients – 13: Pigeon, Microwave, Prune
With the exception of Pip, our story’s narrator, the character who seems to get the most interest is Cracker the parrot. That amuses me, because Cracker is a character that I never anticipated. That’s the fun part of deliberately not planning this serial and letting the “ingredients” you send drive every aspect of it! I would have … More Three Ingredients – 12: Rye, Pie, Dainty Dish
Today I’m suspending my self-imposed rules. What rules? Well, I promised myself that this blog would always be limited to writing related things. Next I’ve made it a general practice to use the “ingredients” in the order they are received. This time I’m moving up the ingredients from Judith in California, aka Firecook, which were … More Three Ingredients – 11: Garlic, Crepes, Soufflé
Since I started this culinary mystery serial, The Three Ingredients, I’ve been reading a lot of cooking blogs. One of my favorites is Kooky Cookyng, written by Ishita. She was kind enough to provide the three ingredients for today’s episode. Don’t be shy! Leave a comment with three food-related “ingredients” to help keep this story going. … More Three Ingredients – 10: Liver, Za’atar, Sunflower Seeds
While I waited for everyone to “get back behind the wheel” and send ingredients to drive this story, I wrote this — Episode-9. But don’t fret. Because Ishita at “Kooky Cookyng” sent very interesting ingredients for Episode-10! I hope to have it ready this weekend, so please come back again. Get ready… because today’s episode reveals … More Three Ingredients Serial – 9: Cream, Vanilla, Sauce Pan
You’re Driving Dear readers, it is time once again for me to bid you “Come and dine!” But first, to keep the culinary story going, we need ingredients. Don’t be shy. The three food-related things you send drive the story, and the Three Ingredient cupboards are bare — so to speak. Please leave a comment with three … More Three Ingredients Serial – 8: Peas, Noodles, Lemon
I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long for the next installment of the Three Ingredients Serial. The “ingredients” for Episode 7 are from Spock’s Sister. She’s an extraordinary mix of creative and scientific knowledge — so these ingredients are far from ordinary! Working them into our culinary mystery was great fun. However, I hope she’ll forgive me for … More Three Ingredients Serial – 7: Burner, E. Coli, Marmite
A truly remarkable friend in Albuquerque supplied the “ingredients” for this episode. Clever of her to think of juniper berries and how they relate to the 1920’s and prohibition! That’s how you drive the story. I’m delighted to have all of you readers behind the wheel, steering this mystery with the ingredients you send. And … More Three Ingredients Serial – 6: Turnips, Parsnips, Juniper Berries
Virginia’s own Provincial Lady graciously supplied the three ingredients for fifth installment of our culinary mystery. Somehow these things took me to what I hope you’ll think is a humorous snippet. As always, you can do catch-up reading at the serial’s homepage. Also, to keep the chuckles coming, there is a cute video at the end of … More Three Ingredients Serial – 5: Butternut Squash, Olive Oil, Cracked Black Pepper
I for one am quite happy to welcome the arrival of 2014. Did you notice that the new year begins on a new moon? To me, that makes today very special. May it bring wonderful new beginnings to all of us. Happy New Year everyone! This time our ingredients are from Alexandra of “A Scholarly Skater.” … More Happy 2014! Three Ingredients Serial – 4: Graham Crackers, Apples, Cream Cheese
Today I feel like we’re getting to sneak a peek inside a Christmas package, because my friend Joye shared with us her semi-secret recipe for Fabulous Five Minute Fudge! You’ll find the recipe at the end of this episode. I wish I had been able to make WordPress fancy-up formatting do the recipe justice… but all I could … More Three Ingredients Serial – 2: Mandolin, Chinoiserie, Wimberries
It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to episode-1 of our new “interactive” story, The Three Ingredients Serial. Remember that you, the reader, are driving the story by sending three ingredients that I will include in the episodes. When we did the Three Things Serial, the things you sent inspired the characters and the setting. … More Three Ingredients Serial – 1: Geoduck, Cilantro, Red Wine
Can you believe this serial began with Oscillating Fan? That was our very first “thing.” In case you felt like there was a bit too much unresolved, I’ve written an epilogue for our little 1920’s story. I expected that the characters readers would be most curious about are Frankie the Fireman and Mona the Movie Star, … More Three Things Epilogue
Here it is, everyone — the conclusion to this storyline. Forgive me for making this episode a good deal longer than usual, but I wanted to do it justice. After all it’s the conclusion to our Three Things Serial. I don’t kid myself that this serial is literature. From a technical standpoint it hasn’t had the … More Three Things Conclusion: Part 3
Yes, the conclusion of Three Things Serial is headed your way. I made sure the sets of “three things” readers sent me drove all aspects of this little story. Everything — the characters, setting, even the plot took shape and turns from the things all of you sent. Now the storyline is ready to conclude… … More Conclusion of Three Things Serial Headed Your Way
We are drawing closer to the close of our little 1920’s story. I’m still looking for your feedback on what you’d like to do next. I definitely want to do something that lets all of you “drive” the story. There are a couple of “votes” in the comments section of the previous episode. You can … More Three Things Conclusion, Part 2
Now that I think about it, I believe this conclusion idea started when Provincial Lady included “dragon” the last time she sent a group of things. Then my imagination running down a most unexpected path. To do this set of things justice, and to keep you from having to read a really, really long episode, I’m … More Prelude to a Three Part Conclusion
Today is the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. As a long time “whovian” I had to give a nod to the television show, because it is sublime. If any of you are not familiar with this phenomenon, it is a BBC science fiction television series about a “time lord,” known as The Doctor. He travels in what … More Three Things: 28 – Sublime, Dragon, Funds
With National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in full swing, I’m indulging myself with today’s set of three things. When I wrote my NaNoWriMo 2012 winning novel, Atonement, Tennessee, I was somewhat influenced by the style of Charlaine Harris — particularly her “Southern Vampire” series, sometimes referred to as the Sookie Stackhouse books. While Atonement is … More Three Things: 27 – Vampire, Years, Walked
I’m privileged to have a dear friend whom I also think of as a mentor. For the majority of her life she has given huge effort to educating herself about complex medical issues that have touched the lives of her loved ones. That truly amazing woman sent today’s set of “things” and as usual, my mind went to … More Three Things: 26 – Angiogram, Burglary, Cockroach
You’d think I would have thought of Agatha Christie the minute the Three Things Serial became a 1920’s story. She created so many memorable characters. Two of my favorites are not as well known, but they showcase the spirit of the 1920’s for me — Tommy and Tuppence. The first novel in which they appeared … More Three Things: 24 – Tommy and Tuppence
I’m finally here with another episode of our little 1920’s story. The characters have been nagging at my thoughts. I don’t know what I’m going to do with them during November, while I’m trying to write an entire (new) novel in a few short weeks, for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)! Maybe I’ll skip the fun part … More Three Things: 23 – Dissolute, Rocky, Bonehead
When I researched ways to illustrate this episode I noticed that media topics of interest in the 1920s were much the same as they are now. I saw headings about sex, diet, scandal, fashion, and other things that you’d see today. Like they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The “things” for episode … More Three Things Serial: 21 – Underwear, Tasteless, Limestone
“In the middle of a difficulty, lies opportunity…” Albert Einstein Personal friends and those who know me from LinkedIn have expressed kind concern over whether or not the “government shutdown” will effect my employment and the roof over my head. That job is my only source of income. So far it has not impacted my livelihood. … More Government Shutdown & Three Things Episode 20
While I was browsing around the New York Times, I stumbled upon “The Janeiac Quiz.” Since I’ve always enjoyed Jane Austen‘s books, I took the quiz — and failed miserably. I’m sharing it because many of you enjoy those classics. Emma is probably my favorite of Austen’s works and it is also the source of today’s Three Things. I’ll take them … More Three Things Serial: 19 – Comfortable Home, Happy Disposition, Vex
Provincial Lady sent three words that were very picturesque to me. So I’ve gotten on many a tangent looking at images to go with this episode. But that’s part of the fun. As always you can do catch-up reading on the Three Things Serial page. I hope to get lots of fun “things” from you … More Three Things Serial: 18 – Punctilious, Train, Diary
Mary is not just a writer — she’s a brave woman to throw me a word like “Reality.” There’s no telling where I might go with that! These three things took me in directions I didn’t expect, but that’s the point of this serial — to let the words all of you supply drive the plot … More Three Things Serial: 17 – Associate, Challenge, Reality
I’m pleased to tell you that today’s three things are from a “science nerd turned quilter who lives near Bristol UK” – known to bloggers as Spockssister. For the sake of this blog’s header (which is not at all cooperative with me) the things are sort of abbreviated. However, in the serial I’m using them … More Three Things Serial: 16 – Microscope, Sewing Machine, Dog
Finally I’m posting another episode of our 1920’s serial. These three things come from the most “crafty” lady I know — Joye in Albuquerque. Since I didn’t do a mid-week post, you might need to refresh your memory of the serial. You can read all the episodes at the Three Things Serial page. Pip finds … More Three Things Serial: 15 – Tattered Quilt, Memory Squares, Quilting Bee
Today’s “things” are from an innovative thinker in Albuquerque. I think they help bring life to the story and our characters — a glimpse of their day-to-day life. Remember, if you need to catch up, the full story lives at the Three Things Serial page. Finger Waves, Shoe Horn, Cummerbund The old fire engine roared … More Three Things Serial: 14 – Finger Waves, Shoe Horn, Cummerbund
Can you believe we are already up to the thirteenth set of Three Things? As promised in the previous post, these things come from the DC area. The complete story (so far) is on the Three Things Serial page, if you need to catch up. Also be sure to post a comment giving me three things to … More Three Things Serial: 13 – Miracle, Hedgehog, Gloaming
This time the story is driven by three things from Michigan. Then next time the “things” will be from the greater DC area. I’m delighted to have gotten two sets of three during the past week. So I’ll use the new words in the order received. And now, episode twelve of our little 1920’s story. 12. Italy, Family, Thunderstorm … More Three Things Serial: 12 – Italy, Family, Thunderstorm
The very first “thing” in this serial (oscillating fan) sent my mind to the 1920s, providing the time-frame of the story. For the second episode, I took a challenge from another blog, and that gave me some information about the characters. (That was Ballerina, Fireman, Astronaut, Movie Star). Up until now, one thing that has been missing is where the … More Three Things Serial: 11 – Ice Cream, Sound, Thimble
Don’t “call shotgun.” Get behind the wheel! Remember the Three Things Serial is driven by you sending me “things” (preferably three of them) to include in the story. There’s no telling what road the story will take, until you send the “things” that point the direction. So get your mental wheels turning. Loosen up … More You’re Driving
Enchantment… Doesn’t the word make you think of that harp-like sound effect? Of bright sunshiny magic, and unbridled potential? No? Maybe I’m feeling homesick then. Today’s “three things” come to you from the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico, courtesy of RC. Remember, you can do catch-up reading at the Three Things Serial page. Now, the … More Three Things Serial: 10 – Grandma, Big Feet, Woodpile
How different our food supply is from what it once was! A friend at work became very interested in the many unexpected things that lurk in our groceries. She thought about serious questions, like “Where does it come from?” and “What goes into it?” The answers were much more complicated than “From the grocery store” and “Seeds, sunshine, and … More Three Things Serial: 9 – Aspic, Empty Milk Bottles, Ice Cream
I’m really excited to have received “three things” from two different readers over the weekend. So I’m doing a mid-week post with the first set I was given. The story continues with new things from Provincial Lady. Flight, Itch, Heartbreak I was pretty sure the strange key had fallen from the getaway car. That would make … More Three Things Serial: 8 – Flight, Itch, Heartbreak
Today’s “Three Things” are from Suki in North Carolina. Among other things, she writes fan fiction. Check out her site. I’m sure you’ll be entertained. As always you can check out the full story (thus far), or catch-up if you’ve missed an episode, on the page dedicated to it, The Three Things Serial Story. …And now … More Three Things Serial: 7 – Bent Key, Empty Barrel, Torn Hem
This episode features not just “three things,” but also a challenge from The Daily Prompt, “Life Line: You’re on a long flight, and a palm reader sitting next to you insists she reads your palm. You hesitate, but agree. What does she tell you?” (It was posted Monday the 12th, if you’re looking for it.) I’m twisting … More Three Things Serial: 6 – Search, Cocoa, Fox
Surprise — a mid-week post! Here’s another short installment of the Three Things Serial. This time the “things” are courtesy of Sharon in Virginia. You can view the entire story (so far) as it develops on the Three Things Serial Story page. Next time, the three things will be from reader and friend Provincial Lady. Remember — to keep … More Three Things Serial: 3 – Popcorn, Painting, Movies
Come on now everyone — don’t let me down about sending “three things.” Words, phrases, that’s all it is; whatever pops into your head. As an example, I’m taking “things” from The Daily Prompt. Today’s was a thought provoking post. They asked what you wanted to grow up to be when you were ten years old, and … More Three Things Serial: 2 – Ballerina, Fireman, Astronaut
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