From the End to the Beginning: December Poetry

It's poetry time and as I hope you know by now, this is a monthly treat feature here on the blog. A few friends and I get together each month and choose a theme, then we all go off in our own corners and write.

There are some talented poets in this small group. I'm not one of them. I tend to write funny poems, and there's a method to my madness. I'm not one of those talented poets, yet I enjoy this challenge. What's a girl to do? Get you to laugh with me. Better than laughing at me. So I use humor and silly rhymes and hopefully I amuse. 

Here's today's offering. The theme is Endings.

From the End to the Beginning

One year closes out,
new one will begin,
survived the last one,
hope the next is a win.

Time to take stock,
look both back and ahead.
It's a time for reflection,
and hope, not dread.

What didn't kill me,
made me stronger, they say,
Please, I'm strong enough, 
no more tests, I pray.

Yet with each circumstance,
under our belt,
our love for family,
became more heartfelt.

Children no more,
dinner table, empty seat.
A meal as a family,
is now a rare treat.

Chili Beef Pot Pie

Yet I wouldn't change it,
this year just gone by.
I may miss the past,
But my pride hits the sky.

So . . . 

A new year's beginning,
close out the last one.
Here's my wish to you:
much love, health and fun.


Thanks for stopping by. See you again next month. And if you're a blogger and you want to join this challenge, leave me a comment here or hit me up on FB or twitter. I'll hook you up. 

Before you go, click on over to more Endings poetry: 

Dawn of Cognitive Script shares The Meaning of the End.

Jules of The Bergham Chronicles shares La Fin. 

Lydia of Cluttered Genius shares The End is Here. 

Jenn of Sparkly Poetic Weirdo shares Endings, the New Beginnings. 

Diane of On the Border shares An Ending?

Chili Beef Pot Pie

                                                                          ©www.BakingInATornado.com

Printable Recipe

Ingredients (makes about 3, depending on the size):
1 TBSP vegetable oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1# lean stew beef
1 TBSP plus 1 tsp chili powder
3/4 cup beef broth

3 TBSP tomato paste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp chili flakes
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn niblets

2 large potatoes
2 TBSP butter
1 TBSP sour cream
1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar
salt and pepper to taste
paprika

Directions:
NOTE: You can make the beef the day ahead, refrigerate in the pot and heat the next day to make the pot pies.
*Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, cook and stir until it softens. 
*Add the beef and sprinkle with 1 TBSP of the chili powder. Cook and stir until browned. Mix in the beef broth, tomato paste, remaining 1 tsp chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, 1/4 tsp salt and chili flakes. 
*Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring now and then. Add the black beans and corn and continue simmering for another 45 minutes.
*While the beef is cooking, mashed cooked potatoes (I cook the potatoes in the microwave for this recipe) with the butter, sour cream, cheddar, salt and pepper.
*Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
*Spoon the chili into oven proof bowls or ramekins. Top with the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika.
*Place a baking sheet into the oven and put the bowls or ramekins onto the baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes start to brown.