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Mary's Tavern

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Please Save Me From Distractions


Isn't this picture beautiful? The scenery reminded me of my own creative world--one where I should be immersed in for a good portion of my day.

Recently, I've found I've become distracted by silly random things. What are those? Hmm...well, let's start with my morning routine.

5:00am ~ Breakfast, meditation and prayer

6:00-6:30am ~ Check emails, sales, schedule promotions for the day, pay bills, talk to my hubby (he calls every morning from work to say "hello"), post pictures on pinterest and instagram, schedule tweets, and check-in on facebook. Take a look at my appointment log for upcoming events, blogs, and interviews. I'm so grateful for my Franklin Planner.

In truth, I should be finished with all of these items by 8:30-9:00, so I can go for a bike ride, walk, or yoga. And let's not forget the errands, which I try to do only once or twice a week. However (did you hear the long pause in this word?), I've become distracted. (I'm blaming it on one of the coldest, wettest winters we've had in a decade. HA!) When I looked up the word in my Rodale Synonym Finder, here are similar words:

Confused, Perplexed, Bewildered, Confounded, Lost, Absent-minded, Mystified, Pensive, Blind

Good grief! Have I lost my mind? I thought I got side-tracked from looking at all the beautiful pictures on facebook, not confused. Yet, have you ever noticed how you become lost with time while looking at all the wonderful posts and pictures? Furthermore, don't get me started on the recipes. It's a slideshow of food heaven! A feast for the eyes!

There are so many tasty dishes, and I want them all! And if I can't locate the recipe quickly, I'm bookmarking the page. It's insanity! Honestly, I've considered setting the timer and limiting my interaction on social media.

In addition (I blame this one on my hubby), I've recently discovered the game of Solitaire on my computer. A disgusting, distracting game--teehehe. I'm not happy until I've won one game. Again, setting the timer sounds like a good plan.

So, my friends, do you find you get distracted at work? Home? Is it your shiny toys (computers, phones, games)? Do you have discipline? Be brave and share!

In truth, I'm a "verra" disciplined woman. My work is within my home, but goodness help me from those days when I become one of my characters and drift away with all those distractions!

Now that I've been talking about food, here's a tasty, healthy snack that helps me stay focused during my writing days. Enjoy the distraction of making these today.

 

ROSEMARY ROASTED CASHEWS

4 cups raw cashews (1/1/4 lbs.)

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves. (In a pinch, I’ve used dried rosemary)

1 tablespoon butter, melted

2 teaspoons dark brown sugar

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

On a jelly-roll pan or baking sheet, arrange cashews in single layer. Roast 10 to 12 minutes or until nuts are toasted and heated through.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together rosemary, butter, sugar, salt and cayenne until combined.

Add hot cashews to bowl with rosemary mixture; toss until nuts are well coated. Serve warm.

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