Sunday, January 11, 2026

My Mommy - The Love I Couldn't See - The Story Behind the Lyrics

 

My Mommy - The Love I Couldn't See - The Story Behind the Lyrics

A Quiet Saturday Morning Inspiration

It was a quiet Saturday morning, January 10th, 2026. I was taking time to have coffee, lounging, and reviewing some of the notes I’d collected for lyrics I planned to write someday. I don’t write lyrics unless my heart is fully in the topic, or unless I give myself a specific assignment. My self-discipline alone can get me through a project, but inspiration always needs to be ready.

On this particular morning, I came across a song I’d started months ago. I had left it unfinished because I couldn’t find the right way to express it. The story I wanted to tell — the profound love between an unborn baby and a mother — felt just out of reach. But today, for reasons I still don’t fully understand, the words finally came to me. What I had been struggling to say flowed naturally, and the story revealed itself fully.

A Song From the Unborn Baby’s Perspective

The unique thing about this piece is its perspective. The ultimate point of the lyric is that it’s the baby singing to the mother. But when you first start reading or listening, if you weren’t aware of it, it might feel as if the mother is singing to her unborn child. The words are written carefully to work both ways — they express love, connection, and awe in a way that feels universal.

By the end, it becomes clear that it’s the baby speaking in song. That twist — the revelation of the perspective — is what makes the piece so special to me. It captures that quiet, intimate moment between mother and child, a love that exists before words, before the first cry, before the baby even takes its first breath.

Why I Wrote It

Even though I’m a grandmother now, I’ve watched the love my children feel for their own babies, and it’s the same overwhelming, indescribable feeling my husband and I have talked about for decades. Nothing compares. This song gave me a chance to explore that love in a way I hadn’t before — through the eyes of the baby, imagining what it might feel to be so connected to the mother, even before birth.

A Song That Works Both Ways

What I love most about this song is how it can be interpreted in two ways. You can read it or listen to it and feel the mother’s love, and only realize at the very end that it’s the unborn baby singing. That duality mirrors life itself — the way we love and are loved, sometimes without fully knowing it. It’s a small reflection of that unspoken, extraordinary bond between mother and child.

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50 Years of My Poems and Lyrics are on Amazon, Where Available.

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🎵 ©DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - Original Lyrics. | Licensed Digital Composition (Commercial Rights Held) for Music and Vocals




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, January 10, 2026

Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Hug 'n Giggle Baby

Fisher-Price's Brilliant Basics Hug 'n Giggle Baby doll reviewed.

With the Brilliant Basics Hug 'n Giggle Baby, Fisher-Price created an ideally sized doll for your baby or toddler’s enjoyment. This soft plush doll is a bit different than most dolls because she is electronic and will giggle and coo when you squeeze her tummy but she can still be machine washed. I think that makes her a particularly great choice for your little girl.  

She is perfect for toddlers because she is huggable, because of her giggling and cooing and because of her interesting facial details. Her sounds are quiet, which definitely is appropriate for a younger child at play and at nap time.  She is, as one parent said, not too big nor too small and she holds her shape. Initially, your daughter will enjoy the sounds, then she will learn to hug and kiss the doll and then she will learn the parts of the body. By then Hug 'n Giggle Baby will be a treasured toy.

TECHNICAL DETAILS


Age Recommendation: Children 6 months to 3 years old
Length: 10 inches 
Batteries: Requires two AAA batteries. 
Model Number: V6939
UPC: 027084994070
Release Date: 2010
Current Status: Retired
Instruction Manual: Available on Mattel's website here.

WHERE TO BUY BABY HUG 'N GIGGLE 


Since Hug 'n Giggle Baby is not made anymore, you will have to turn to secondary resellers to find her. As I check today, I see both new and used dolls available. Find your Hug 'n Giggle Baby Doll by clicking here, to eBay.  Since the doll is no longer being made, you will have to pay a bit more if you want and can find a new one but there are some perfectly good used ones available, too. Just make sure that the seller says the doll has been tested and is working!

See you
at the toy store!

MORE FISHER-PRICE TOYS:





Fisher-Price Christmas Sing-a-Ma-Jigs Reviewed


Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, January 9, 2026

Chocolate Covered Apples Recipe and Review

Chocolate Dipped Apples
Chocolate Covered Apples are Fun to Make and Delicious to Eat! 

I enjoy making fruit trays for parties and holidays.  Several years ago, I decided to add chocolate covered fruit to the tray as another option for guests.  Because the apples are easy to hold, they are the perfect finger food at a party.

Chocolate Covered Apples are more aptly described as Chocolate Dipped Apples since the entire apple slice is not covered with chocolate. Regardless of which name you prefer, they are still quite delicious and easy to make. They are so easy to make that in just a few minutes, you can be enjoying your own Chocolate Covered Apple Slice. The only remaining decision is whether you are willing to share your treat. 

If you love apples and you love chocolate, you are certain to enjoy Chocolate Covered Apples. 

Below, I share step by step instructions with photos for Chocolate Covered or Dipped Apples.

 

apples and chocolate

chocolate wafers

Supplies & Ingredients 

  • Apples 
  • Chocolate for Melting ~ I prefer Saco Dolci Frutta featured below 
  • Wax Paper

Easy Directions 

Step 1: Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper ~ The cookie sheet will make it easier to move your Chocolate Covered Apples. 

Step 2: Wash and Dry Your Apples 

Step 3: Melt Your Chocolate ~ If you use Saco Dolci Frutta, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in their package container. Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 2 minutes on medium and stir the chocolate until it is completely melted. Other chocolates will need to be melted in a double boiler or a microwavable dish. 

Step 4: Cut Your Apple into Slices 

 

Slicing and Coring an Apple Made Easy

coring an apple

Step 5: Dip the Apple Slices into the chocolate 

Step 6: Set on wax paper to cool 

Step 7: When you have dipped all of your Apple slices in chocolate, serve or eat. Best if not refrigerated 

 

Step by Step Photos

dipping apples in chocolate
 

 

 Dalla Piazza Apple Slicer/CorerCheck Price Dolci Frutta Variety Pack with Hard Chocolate Shell & White Chocolate ShellCheck Price

 


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Chocolate Covered Apples Recipe and Review Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse



ALL PHOTOS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF SYLVESTERMOUSE 

This recipe article was originally published by me in 2010 on a different website that no longer exists. 

© 2010 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

 

 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, January 8, 2026

Review of Short Story by Lisa Wingate

 

Short Story by Lisa Wingate


There are times when life is particularly hectic or perhaps when I've just read a long book and I'm in the mood for something lighter that a short story is just what is needed.  That happened to me at the end of 2025, and I found this short story by Lisa Wingate that just hit the spot.  I had read books by this author before and knew I liked her writing style, so I downloaded this book to my kindle and enjoyed a nice break from my holiday preparations.


Story Synopsis

In this moving short story, Olympic silver medalist Kalista Brooks returns to her hometown to be with her father when his heart condition worsens.  He was a beloved coach to many and always holds a special place in Kalista's heart.

As the visit, her father has one request.  He really would love to return to their old farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  He would love to relive that area in all four seasons.  Since time is to short to be there a year, Kalista works on a way to relive all four seasons in a months' time.

As the narrative continues, they relive their shared experiences such as spring blossoms, homemade jam in the summer, a special autumn festival and a very special winter evening.

Along the way Kalista learns some valuable lessons and takes another look at what is really important in her life.

This short story looks at the enduring love between a father and daughter and the valuable bonds that family relations hold.

I found this a very touching and delightful read.


Book on Amazon

Here is a link to the short story on Amazon,  The Last Father-Daughter Dance




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Fantastic, Fabulous, Booties ~ A Product Review

 Hopefully your Christmas was wonderful and Santa brought you all kinds of wonderful gifts!  We all know you have been good!

Now if that gift happens to be a most wanted puppy, even more wonderful.  What a lovely way to share some love with a new family member!

dog in stocking

With sharing the love, you will also want to share some really important healthy ways to look after your new best friend.

If you live in the north, as many of us do, winter is part of Christmas and with that there is snow as well.  But if you live in the South, there is hot pavement and  mud puddles!

So this product is for all of you, northerners and southerners as well.  All dogs and puppies deserve fabulous booties!

Most dogs love playing in the snow and it's wonderful to see them running through all that white stuff, digging their noses in and  yes, even turning some of that white stuff a little yellow.  

So far everything is great in the north, but, then comes the salt that is poured all over the sidewalks and streets!  Yes, most humans love salted sidewalks and roadways, but our pooch friends are not so overjoyed.  Why?  Well, let's just say that the salt gets on their paws and between their toes.  The salt water dries out their paws and if not removed from their little feet, it will become a source of pain for them.

So what can you do?  

Get that little new friend used to putting on his booties just like you do before heading out into the snow!

Snow boots or doggie boots/paw protectors, are great for many reasons!  In the winter it keeps their paws dry and salt free!  In the spring and summer, it keeps their feet dry in rainy weather.  Summertime heatwaves won't cook their feet on the hot pavement either.  Muddy puddles and muddy feet are a thing of the past.  

Doggie Boots/Paw Protectors, come in several sizes for all types of dogs.  Most good brands have non-slip soles so that your dog will be able to find his traction on any surface.  Velcro closures will ensure a good fit and help to keep those booties on their feet until they are home again.  

I have linked a page for you here and you can see that most of the booties are quite easy to put on and take off.  There are even more advanced "Suspender booties" for those dogs who manage to get out of almost everything.  

Once you dog is trained to wear these booties, they will want to wear them.  Their paws will not suffer any ill effects of being in the salted areas and the comfort will be worth the time it takes to train your dog.  

Now if you have gotten your dog as a puppy, it will  just become part of his training as you get to know each other.  Older dogs might take a little longer.  But you will be happy that part of your daily walk does not include washing your dog's feet afterwards.  With the booties, they just come off, like your shoes do.

Fido will need a special place on the boot mat for his new winter shoes. Paw protectors/booties are great gifts for the new family member and for you as well.

May you enjoy the new year with your newest family member and have lots of fun in the snow!


  







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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Review This Reviews is Dedicated to the Memory of Our Beloved Friend and Fellow Contributor

Susan DeppnerSusan Deppner

We may be apart, but
You Are Not Forgotten





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