The End of an Era: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Early yesterday morning, at approximately 2:15 central time, the last remaining piece of my childhood came to an abrupt and ceremonious end as the credits started rolling on the final movie of the Harry Potter saga. It was a bittersweet ending - more bitter than sweet, though. This was the series that first taught me how to believe - and not just in magic. This is the series that first taught me to appreciate literary technique and inspired me to become a writer. 

J.K. Rowling randomly got the idea for Harry Potter while riding alone one night on a train to London in 1990. She began writing the first book that night and, seven years later, got it published. In the meantime, she lost her mother to multiple sclerosis - an event which only increased her connection to and emotional investment into orphan Harry Potter. She also got married and had a daughter, and even while teaching (and of course parenting) full-time, she was able to finish the book that - unbeknownst to her - would change the world. I think we all know how the story goes from there.

 

Here's a link to an article from Christianity Today that I really enjoyed. The author (John Granger - no pun intended) has a smart and unique perspective on the genius of Rowling as well as the lasting power of the series.

 

To all the writers: we could take a page out of Rowling's book (literally).

To all the Harry Potter fans: mischief managed. ;)

 

<3 Mrs. G

Sunday Recipe #3 - Healthy Chicken Pasta

Hello all!

I hope you've had a lovely weekend. I had a relaxing one - I slept in, went swimming, and went out to eat with Mr. G and some friends. Nothing crazy, but it was great. We were due a chill weekend.

To keep with the theme of my weekend, I'm posting a ridiculously simple recipe tonight. It also happens to be one of Mr. G's favorites - we eat it once a week. What makes it even better is it's actually super healthy. The best time to make this pasta is when you have leftover chicken, which - if you're like us - you always have. We pretty much live on a chicken diet.

Healthy Chicken Pasta:

• Ingredients:
• 1 box penne pasta (penne is Mr. G's favorite, but bow tie and linguine are also good)
• 2 cooked chicken breasts - grilled chicken is healthiest
• 1-2 cups broccoli (I don't measure - put however much you like)
• Olive oil
• Directions:
• Cook/grill chicken, if not already cooked.
• Cook pasta according to box directions.
• While pasta is cooking, cut chicken breasts into cubes and cook broccoli (we just microwave frozen broccoli). Cut broccoli if desired.
• Strain pasta when it is finished cooking, then add chicken and broccoli and toss to mix.
• Divide pasta onto plates and top with olive oil. I also use parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
• Enjoy! This recipe serves 2-3.

Speaking of recipes, I finally used my rhubarb crisp recipe! I baked one with raspberries a couple nights ago when Mr. G's grandparents came over for dinner. It looked a little undercooked when it came out of the oven, but it tasted delicious, so I consider it a success! It's especially good with vanilla ice cream and French vanilla whipped cream. Yum!

In other news, is anyone else going to see the last Harry Potter movie this week? I'm going at midnight on Thursday (with poor Mr. G in tow) and I can't wait! I love Harry Potter, and I don't care if that makes me a nerd. I grew up reading the books, and I've loved them ever since. I'm going to attempt to watch all seven movies before Thursday, but so far I've only managed to watch the first one - I have a long way to go. Marathon anyone??

<3 Mrs. G