Ella's Edge

A gift from a friend

2012-01-26T21:16:00.000-08:00

I received another beautiful gift from a friend. This friend I found last December, when I did the Reverb challenge. She has such a giving spirit and so much talent. Some of you know her from the Summer of Color Challenge. She also participated in the A-Z blogging challenge. She is a home school teacher and has her hands full.

She sent me these amazing post cards. Her drawings are so beautiful I think she could illustrate books!
Go visit Scarlett and admire her creativity. She has a lot of wonderful, eco-friendly ideas for Valentine's Day. She also has an Etsy store. She is raising funds for Cockayne Syndrome research. Currently there isn't any treatment to help her adorable son, Knox, or other children affected by CS. There isn't even a clinical trial testing medication.

What is CS?
CS is a tragic childhood disease that causes premature aging and a shortened lifespan.
The butterfly is the symbol for children who have lost their lives early to CS, so many of our items feature this symbol.

Look at all the amazing detail! So beautiful~

* Photo via Scarlett Clay

Thank you Scarlett! My daughter loves the earrings we bought from your shop~

Graytful

2012-01-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

I received mail recently, that stunned me. The first one was from eCollege Finder. I was told I was nominated for a Top Writing Blog. I had to read this email 3 times. I was stunned and thought for sure they had the wrong Ella. I also received a letter, via snail mail regarding the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, the same day. It was in regards to a publication called, "Shambhala Sun". The letter expresses, "Our emotions and perceptions are like seeds in the garden of our minds-and mindfulness is like cool water." It goes on to talk about the seeds of joy and how we must water them. It also mentions how we all are deeply interconnected. "No one can be one's self alone"~ Thich Nhat Hanh

To accept this honor, I had to answer 2 questions and email them back. I would like to personally say THANK YOU, to the special someone that nominated me. Words can't express, how I feel, felt when I read, I was being considered. Thank you!!! And thank you to those who comment and share your lives, your thoughts and view!

Blogging is a gift, it is sad so many don't realize this potential. I am referring to those who don't blog. They do not understand the profound connections that can be made, the friendships that develop and the sense of camaraderie. Just like Thich Nhat Hanh said, "No one can be one's self alone"~ Thank you to all who blog, who take the time to share their daily lives. You fill my world with more sunshine!

The first question kind of stumped me for a bit. How would you describe your blog to readers?

My voice is about finding beauty in the everyday. We all can relate to the black n’ white moments of life, but there is joy to be found in the gray. I’m so not the Pollyanna type. Blogging is helping me to find the ripples of light, in my daily life.

What advice can you offer students aiming to improve their writing acumen?

On this journey called life, we have to keep learning, keep moving towards our dreams, our goals. Your view is unique. Yes, we all share experiences, but remember to use your voice. The essence of your authenticity is what sets you apart!

Remember though:
"No one can be one's self alone" ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Catching Up in the Garden

2012-01-20T13:54:00.000-08:00

I have missed several challenges. I am trying to play catch up. The first was to write a poem about flowers, without using cliches. When I think of flowers, I think of the obvious: sweet, perfume, their beauty and how they offer lingering hope. There were two challenge at the Imaginary Garden I wanted to try. I'm late, yes I had a very important date, but it is now time to catch up ;D.

Stars will blossom in the darkness, Violets bloom beneath the snow.”

~Julia C.R. Dorr

Snow’s pledge is fragile

eyes of gold nodding in day’s ease

violet sunset reflects a symphony of verdant hope

a pledge of eternal promise

ushered in by a clay colored robin’s first solo

This photos is one of many in my Etsy store; I hope to list more items soon.

We also were asked to write a tanaga, a short poem originating from the Philippines. It is similar in nature to the Japanese short forms of haiku or tanka.

The form goes like this:

XXXXXXA
XXXXXXA
XXXXXXB
XXXXXXB

All lines have 7 syllables, 4 lines first 2 rhyme and last 2 rhyme.
Here is my take on the Tanaga:

Grayfulness swirls in a bone china cup

Citrus charm, from a Lord drink up

Black tea’s magic steeped oil

Bergamot grows as one toils

I checked the syllable count here.

I remember the first time I tasted Earl Grey tea, yuck! I wondered why any one would think swamp water tasted good. Later, my friend Rikkie, she is from Japan, offered me some iced tea made with Earl Grey tea. I liked her version. I remember reading how the herb, Bergamot had a citrus like taste and is a calming herb. I bought another brand and liked it. I now love Earl Grey tea~

Poets United prompt #81 this week is Good-byes. There are so many ways to spin this. I have said, good-bye, so many times. Being in a military family makes for an unique lifestyle. Sometimes I have been ready to say good-bye and move on(Alaska and all that snow) and other times struggled with it.

I chose to write about my husband being away at sea. Our only constant was counting days down to his arrival back on shore. I remember how amazed he was at seeing everything so green, when he drove home in April. It reminded me of a song my Dad use to play on the guitar, "The Green, green grass of Home". My husband's view had been steel gray, endless blue skies, clouds, and the sea. They pull in to port a few times, but we all know, "there is no place like home".

Hinged wagon wheel

set in earth’s dust

Spokes strong, stable

waiting against the shimmering rose

she waits in the moonlight

Center, echoes my heart

Empty vessel wide open like a forgotten window

Holding the heavens

Waiting for lightening to return

hum of electricity awakens me

ailment’s cure will arrive

once calendar turns

date circled in red

waves of tears

part heaven n’ hell

homecoming

feet on heart’s green path

moral compass

remains constant

I know my poem is about both good-bye and hello. He hasn't gone out to sea in awhile. Now, he flies to the west coast for the Navy, still saying good-bye~

Playing with Dolls

2012-01-18T17:54:00.000-08:00

Well, not exactly, but kind of. I have been playing with putty making some doll face molds. This putty is Amazing, no really ;D. YOU can make molds for food, soap, wax, and more; It is non-toxic. Today, I just made the molds. Hopefully I can find where I hid the Paperclay and make the doll faces, tomorrow. These are a few items I received for Christmas, but haven't had time to play. I thought this was going to be the week, I could find some creative time. I haven't had much luck lately. Just do it, carve out a chunk of time or it will never happen. I thought life had resumed back to normal, not yet. My daughter is home this week. It is exam week at her high school. She has only one exam. It is tomorrow, Algebra II. She went to the dentist with me yesterday. Today, I am fighting sinus issues again, but I'm functional. She was studying, while I ventured into the attic. This doll was a gift to my daughter. The type you tuck away and display on a shelf. The molds look a little creepy...

I love how today my art had a sci fi edge. I finally caught up on "The Walking Dead" series. I can't wait for it to come back on, Feb 12. I thought for sure I would have a nightmare. No I did not, but my daughter did. She didn't even watch it, but she knew we were. I guess zombies were all around our house and she wanted us to set the grass on fire. Make a ring of fire around our home, burn the edges of our lawn. (her words) There might be a story in the works here. My son is reading this book, "Day by Day Armageddon". His impression so far, not very descriptive, kind of vague.

More putty molds, the big baby one kind of creeps me out.
I like the little, delicate ones better. What is your inner child into these days? Somehow, I don't think anyone is going to say dolls or zombies!

Illin and Ho Hums

2012-01-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

I have been Illin with a sinus infection. If Run D.M.C. comes to mind, that was my intent. If you don't know who that is, check it out. It was my nickname in Alaska. This song was popular at the club I worked at. I was a hostess/cashier/and Girl Friday. The DJ nicknamed me Illin. He use to dedicate this song to me. I'm better, but now the Ho-Hums have set in. For the record, I am not bored. I am never bored; I just feel worn out and weary.

January is so not my month. I have had a lot of unfortunate events, a lot of mishaps and tragedy has happened in this month. My Dad died years ago, bad car accident in college, son was told he had cancer his Senior year, he didn't, etc. It just isn't my month. I try to find creative ways to snap out of it. Silly, kooky ways, for example I'm trying to beat my daughter at Just Dance 3. My daughter is having friends over for a Taco Party, with a Zelda marathon tonight. My son got my hubby hooked on The Walking Dead series, so he is playing catch up. Son and daughter's boyfriend are into Skyrim.

There isn't any snow, yet it sure feels like cabin fever has set in. It is odd though, because I call July, blizzard month. It is so humid n' hot, no one wants to be outside, unless it is early morning or late at night. It seems to be a whole month, of indoor movies, games etc. Spring, fall n' winter are more our outdoorsy months. Maybe my blood hasn't thinned yet. I'm a transplant to the south, but I truly love it here. I still have a New England accent which is pretty funny, with a southern twang. I will be brave one of these days and make a video. You can have a laugh on me! :D I know, I sound funny~

What do you do when the winter doldrums, I mean ho hums strike? I am still working on my 1000 photos, finding things that I have and consider gifts. I will share more pics soon. What gives you joy these days? Now, now...don't fear Friday the 13th. I have had a lot of luck on this day.

This was a gift, from my friend Abby. It goes with my theme to find Joy, in the ordinary. Thank you Abby, it is beautiful!

Think Tank Thursday

2012-01-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

Poets United prompt #79 is unique. I had a little something to do with this one. Funny, I could easily write my poems ahead, but I never do. I find a photo that I think could be interpreted in various ways. I post it, on the first Thursday of the month. Earlier, I scratched down some ideas, but had to run errands, pick up my daughter from school. The house is now quiet and I'm attempting my prompt. I still didn't go in the direction that I first planned. I needed to let ideas stir and see what else might come into view. Wanna know a secret? I didn't take it on the beach. I took it on my deck table, not quite the look I wanted, but the light was good. Did I fool you? Probably not...

Life spirals in our daily rounds

tossed and turned memories churn

salty brine flows

treasures appear

parting gifts to linger in life's hands

in soul's watch

jewels sparkling in liquifying light

ribbons of cascading brilliance

open your eyes

to the chamber of one's own grace

Listen to the lullaby of life

there is still time...

Ordinary dust churns like ocean's sand

mine it like panned gold

extract the deposits

cradle your joy

filter the gifts

of living another day

only those with soft eyes

will

see

the

view

Earth

Heaven

* I wanted to add, but not in my poem. I also think the view on Earth, can be hell.

Assemblage and more...

2012-01-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

Today I had to do a poetry prompt at the Imaginary Garden. I chose to share another artist's view. Annie Lockhart has taken gathered objects and assembled them into "Objects of Reflection". I was intrigued, when I saw her art inspired poetry. She gathers inspiration from flea markets, yard sales, antique store, and more. Her magic involves glue, Liquid Nails(clear), wire and more. She uses her intuition to form her pieces, then takes these symbols, and writes poetry.

I thought this would make an interesting prompt. I don't have the material to make one, right now. I do hope to gather the necessary elements, the glue and wire and will give it a try. I did create two smaller ones. One uses a whisk and the other I just clipped up with tiny clothespins. Here is my first attempt:

I hung pearls and snowflakes from my ceiling fan. One after Christmas find, an ornament with 3 frosted butterflies and a fake crystal on the end. I draped turquoise silk around the butterflies, to reflect the endless blue winter sky.

Crystalline dust lends magic to undisturbed thought
Soul protects frosted memories

Cocoon dreams tucked in fluffy white blanket

Butterfly kisses lend faith to transformation

Gentle wings lightly lift off

to endure change

Snowflake’s view unique

brilliance arrives

in journey

The other part of the exercise is to make a list, gather a few of your favorite items. A list of 10+ items, then jot down what they symbolize and write a poem.

blue bird-hope

anchor-my soul

feather-my heritage, my plumage

nest-move(I know, sounds horrible, but I have moved a lot)

bird-soar, journey

Admit one ticket-my talent, gift

dried rose-where I grew up

shell-home(guess from being tossed about by the sea, I married a sailor)

house-heart

Tatting-create

Red Cardinal-family that is deceased

green cloth-reflects my view

key-what is essential

whisk-I bent it into hearts(stirred)

Blue bird moves my anchor
from house filled with red feathers
Tatting memories stir my longings for
timeworn, gray wharf and rosy view
green ticket, my key to soar
dreams nested
in an endless sea of detours
heart bends as lost dreams haunt me
Nautilus' journey cryptic
uncharted venture won't tarnish
my house key

Give it a try! You might be a poet and didn't even know it~(my father said this all the time)

It is the first Wednesday of 2012. Every first Wednesday of the month is another installment of IWSG. Alex Cavanaugh is an author, Ninja, rocker and brain child behind this unique gathering. It is a wonderful support group mixed with writers who have been published and those who are insecure and losing focus. There is wisdom and support in this insecure gathering. Come by and check it out. YOU can make some new friends and learn you aren't alone in this process. For me, insecurity comes in waves. I feel good about I wrote, than an hour later, I wonder, "What was I thinking?" I think we have to keep surfing in uncharted waters, to learn, to develop our sea legs and become better. I am looking into a creative writing course and I need to refresh my grammar. I apologize to those of you who see the errors of my ways! I know I am weak and need to work on my skills, but it is a process. A great mind expressed: we need to learn the rules, then break them. I am breaking them and don't know it...not cool!
“Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.”
― Dalai Lama XIV

So, go surf, swim and sink, but once down you will rise back up and find another way! It takes practice and rules to get us back on track!

Imaginary Garden

2012-01-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

Mary provided a challenge to write a poem, "ring out the old and ring in the new". A poem symbolic of hindsight and reflection~

Tides of change

ripples ring truth's essence

Still sailing on course, my journey

Following the sea

allow soul’s anchor

to secure heart's ballast

Altair’s brilliant light still guiding you

On sea of change

destination True North

Bell cries in flurry of thought and fog’s murky stillness

captivation arrives on new island

darkness vaults histogram

focus sharpened

memory blurs sideways glances

viewpoint on the horizon

empathy on path

chasing light

illuminates soul's patches.

Wishing

2012-01-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

I am inspired by a photo book I received for Christmas. So, I have been taking a lot of pics. I received an odd txt this morning. "We know it is U we see the flash ;D" Kids at the bus stop with my daughter texted me. I hung a primitive bird feeder up and was taking photos. So, the neighborhood is onto me, as long as the birds aren't, I'm okay!

Photo 2(The stunning view nature provides)

" If wishes were fishes we'd all be throwing nets. If wishes were horses we'd all ride"~Douglas Horton

I was thinking about wishing I could convey the mood I feel, when I see something. Taking photos to document, share the visual poetry, but pictures mean different things to different people. Here are a few I took this morning. What kind of photos do you like? Do you like landscapes, poetic shots, nature, and etc.? What draws your eye to look again? Is it a mood or does the image stir a memory?

Photo 3( Morning sun electrifying our Earth)

I jotted down thoughts for the New Year's poem, I found it difficult. Maybe it has something to do with no time alone. I haven't been alone for three weeks; I am a loner type. I start to get uneasy, edgy. I need my time alone to create. My family doesn't get me; it's fine. I just get uptight, when the house is loud and full. It's fine when I'm not creating. I enjoy them and all the zany zingers, laughs and fun filled moments. When I am creating, I need time to reflect. My hubby gets up around 5am, my son might go to bed at 3am, he is on college break and is a gamer. The house is almost always a constant hum. I wish for more time to indulge in, but don't we all. Time to pause, reflect, plan, plot and dream. Time to write, create and make things that whisper to us happen. I know we have to manage, make use of the time we have. Isn't it nice to know we have a brand, new year to attempt to make some of our wishes come true! I wish you good luck in all of your endeavors! If you see a gal taking pics of odd things, it is probably me!

Photo 4( Time out for serenitea) Goal 1000 gifts, that I already have.

Son is home from Jury Duty; I'll be back with my poem :D

2012 Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone enjoyed ringing in the New Year! I am glad to have a fresh start. It kind of feels like a blank page, with the potential to fill it with reflection, gifts, hopes, dreams and wishes. Do you make resolutions? I use to, but by Valentine's I have to begin again. I lose my focus a bit, cabin fever usually has gotten the best of me or a seasonal virus. This year I just want to do more, try a lot of new things here and in my life. What about you?

I received an ornament from my friend, Vicki. I thought it was so poetic and magical. She mailed me these charms tucked inside, with this note. Thank you, I love it~

For you:

an angel to watch over you...
A crane for hope...
A heart for love...
A key to open doors...
Stars for wishing...

I loved what she made me, it is so special! I would like to extend these charms to you, for this year!

And(below) this would be a nice gift for the New Year, too... One can dream!

* Later, I will share a few other wonderful gifts!
Happy New Year~
I will be back with a poem. Mary prompted us to write a poem reflecting the past year and ringing in a new one~

One thousand Gifts

2011-12-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

I hope your holidays were warm and wonderful! Soon we will be turning the calendar to another year...where did time fly?! I know where some of it went ;D blogging, lol.

I received a gift that I may incorporate on my blog. It was this book, I received the kindle version. I have not read much of it, but it is haunting, poetic and filled with grace. Have you heard of this book?

HERE you can go LOOK inside.
I am not going to go into my religious views, I think everyone has a right to believe the way they want. It isn't my place or style to preach. I only preach about thyroid disease. You can ask my family; it is a joke at our house. If anyone is sick and one doesn't know what it is...my family will say "must be your thyroid". It isn't funny, but I guess I have mentioned it a few times. It affects so many systems in our bodies,it is the master gland of the endocrine symphony. Don't worry I won't preach unless you ask. ;D

I haven't read all of the book, but what strikes me so far is a sentence about death. It basically shares my view of how a death can so profoundly affect one's life. This happened to me....it slowly sucked the life out of me, leaving a black hole. I functioned, but it always remained. No matter what, it has altered my view, my world. As I was trying to be an adult and find my way, it tossed me off course and so have so have a few other things. Being a military spouse, not living in one place long enough to truly have a career, and develop my own voice, etc.

I don't want pity, I guess I just want to explain why this book, so far has struck a chord with me. The author finds a way to look for grace, she uses another word called Eucharisteo, the Greek word for grace. Charis means joy. She sees this word as holy joy. She begins a list of eucharisteo and it transforms her life. A list of a 1000 things one loves, to name one thousand blessings or gifts. A list of gifts that one already has. The author's name is Ann; her name means full of grace. She explains how she is so not. My name Ellen means shining light. Then it strikes me, how my blog has changed me. I see more good in the world, I am finding my voice, I feel lucky to still be here to see my children grow up. Look up your name and see what it means. I am considering taking a 1000 photos of gifts, I already have started. Photography is about chasing the light and getting others to see things in different ways, I know that sounds poetic. So I thought I would use visual poetry in regards to my list. I can't take photos of all of you or I would! Thanks for following me and listening to my voice. My world is brighter, filled with more light because of all of you! I haven't made any time line on my 1000 photos, but I did start today.

Photo #1

This was a gift from my friend Vicki. I received it, before I began the book. The gift of friendship is what is symbolizes to me. How we hope when we share ourselves we are well received!

If you get a chance stop by the Imaginary Garden. I did my first interview of poet Mary Kling~

Stringing Memories

2011-12-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

When I was wrapping a gift for my daughter, I wanted the outside to match the sentiment of the inside.
My family n' I have been called "snowbirds"-people from the North who temporarily reside in a warmer climate. My husband, son and myself are all from New England. My daughter has always felt like she was the odd bird, out. She was born in the south, in Florida, the only one with blonde hair, and she is a south paw. Being a military family means temporary roots. Being bird like, we are always moving and building a new nest. We have been fortunate, to be here in North Carolina, for 9 years. We normally move every 3 years. This is the gift, in case you are curious. Lana of Keoni Designs has many unique selections. I wanted to wrap the gift, to symbolize her being part of our nest. We have told her she is. She knows she is ours and how much she means to us! I thought she would treasure this unique locket. You might remember I recently did a string challenge and made a nest. I wanted this version to be reflective of our family, our history.

I used Buffalo Snow Flake sprinkles, about 1/4 c. and a tablespoon of Aleene's Tacky Glue. The snow flakes are shredded polyester fibers, think sheer iridescent gift wrap and more. I mixed it all together and shaped it into a ball. Then I pushed the center to form a nest. I let it dry on wax paper, overnight. I added 3 pearls, representing the snowbirds. You can add a dot of glue on the bottom of nest to hold the pearls in place. Then added touches of string. I used burlap to wrap it and added some Martha Stewart yarn. I used double stick tape to hold the burlap to the gift box. i glued on the nest with the crafter's glue.

I hope she will love it! Have you given or received gifts with sentiment? How does it make you feel?

Laurie of Imaginary Garden wanted us to do a 5 minute poetry prompt using the word ecstasy.

random bits in world’s window

shine like iridescent gems

go collect life’s pearls

some tarnished, some shiny, some chipped n’ dull

string your memories

like molecular stars
collect
the

ecstasy

your

reflective

joy

Imaginary Garden

2011-12-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

Imaginary Garden has a mini challenge, to write a poem in Robert Burns style, blended in an epistle(letter form).

You can find other vintage finds like these on Etsy, at Lollybine's. She has an attic filled with treasure.

I was watching a movie, about a play and decided to go in this direction. The admired from a far view~

Your delicate mood distills mine

perfumed memories linger like fine wine

Escaped venture near the endless sea n’ alpine

Time’s heart chimes our final dance

I miss rehearsing our lines

The curtain call gives us one last chance

I admire your dedication to your craft

Your voice, your poise, your witchcraft

You beguile me with your chortled laugh

You are blind to my passionate trance

To you, I’m a beige and slightly daft

Staged is our only romance

On cue the light trees protect the fourth wall

Final dress drapes descending call

My rose colored glasses crack n’ fall

She is with him, fluttering in the wings

Knotted fringe, in her prayer shawl

Saturating my tangled heart strings

Always yours,

Cliff

Think Tank Thursday

2011-12-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

Poets United prompt # 78 is Off the Cuff, stop what you are doing and write, right now! Focus, go do!

Whoah, I was getting ready to run out the door, so I jotted this down before I left. I'm back to post it...
not so thrilled with it, but it is truly "off the cuff".

Time's blind mood
startles bewildered rose
she faintly nods
among day's decay
lost in distilled dreams

Heart's clock
memory's eyes and
time's hands
allow soul's light to diffuse
bursting with sun
till
draped darkness descends
in a cape of solitary mood
summons awakes chimed mood
Time to move in endless dance
of blanketed day

Wow, this was hard, I might have to try this again!

If you get a chance give it a try, a poem a paragraph. Just drop what you are doing and allow your soul time out to express itself! Care to share?!

Kay interviewed me over at the Imaginary Garden of Toads. She did a great job; she was fun and comforting, like a best friend! Thank you Kay, for picking me! It was so nice to learn more about you, too! Thanks so much xXx

Make it, Bake it

2011-12-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

It is time to share some goodness. I made these the other night and they were a big hit at my house. I love gingerbread and biscotti. Blending these two together is a wonderful way, to enjoy one of the cookies of the season.( a bit easier, too) I found this recipe over at allrecipes. I usually change one thing; I melted white chocolate and drizzled it over the biscotti. The cookie suggested a lemon glaze. I love lemon, but rather have these two flavors separate. Anyway you choose to make it; I'm sure it will be wonderful. Orange extract in a glaze might be nice, too. Spice rules in these cookies. If you are curious here is a bit of gingerbread history.

These spicy Italian cookies will elevate your coffee, tea or hot chocolate!

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 c. vegetable oil , 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 eggs, 1/4 c. molasses, 2 1/4c all purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tbsp ground ginger(yes,tablespoons), 3/4 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tbsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp(yes, teaspoon) nutmeg.

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 F or 190 degrees C. Grease a cookie sheet. In a large bowl, mix together oil, sugar, eggs and molasses. In another bowl, combine flours, baking powder, and spices. Mix wet into dry ingredients. Mixture will form a stiff dough. Divide dough in half and shape each half into a roll the length of the cookie sheet. (I used a bit of flour and shaped the dough into two logs). The dough should be flat and the thickness about 1/2 an inch. Bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, set aside to cool. This is where I have trouble. My elves like 1/2 baked cookies or unoscotti not biscotti. I like biscotti. This is when 1/2 of my cookies disappear. When cool to your touch, cut on a diagonal, into 1/2 " slices. Place cookies on a cookie sheet and bake again, I set my oven for 250 F and bake 10-15 minutes. Check and see, after 10 minutes. They should be toasted and crispy. While cookies are resting on wired racks, make your topping. I melt 1/2 a bag of white chocolate chips with 1 tsp of vegetable oil. I microwave the chocolate for 30 sec and stir. I do this until almost melted and then give it a final stir. Now, you can drizzle or dunk your cookies. Whatever you prefer! Beware of elves while you cook, they are sneaky ;D

If you prefer an easier recipe. I found this one using a cake mix. This recipe is for Cinnamon biscotti, but the combos are endless.

A French vanilla cake mix(size for a 13x9x2 pan) I use an ordinary cake mix, no pudding ones.
You will use this mix dry, as is and add the following:

In large bowl mix into the dry mix, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla and 1 cup all purpose flour. Mix and shape into a log. I added 1/2 a bag of Cinnamon chips. You could add chips and nuts, dried fruit, whatever you like. Think of all the combos: chocolate chip mix, chocolate chips, dried cherries. You could make a festive type with a white cake mix, dried cranberries and pistachios.The options are endless...

Bake at 350 F for 30-35 minutes. Cool and cut on the diagonal and bake again or not at 250 F for 10-15 minutes. enJOY! Again glaze or drizzle with melted chocolate or not~