Eleanor leaned back on a soft white and green couch that sat in her beautiful living room. “What can the world take away from a dying old woman? I hired you to get the room upstairs ready for a viewing, and I am holding you to your word. Before I die, the world must see my husband’s beautiful work. I want to share his pieces with the rest of the world!”
“Now that I will no longer being threatened and blackmailed, I can enjoy my husband’s artwork and share them with others. I realized this when those evil men invaded my home and threatened to kill me, what my husband had been trying to protect me from all along. Just like he protected his father, he protected me. A very honorable man.”
Sophia drew in a deep breath. “Just promise me one thing?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t die, please,” Sophia began to cry.
“Well,” Eleanor gently patted Sophia’s hand, “I have one more confession to make.”
“Yes?”
“I have the option to have an operation on my heart. The doctor said the operation would allow me a few more years.”
“Take it,” Sophia cried. “Please, take the operation.”
“I wasn’t going to because I miss my Michael a great deal, dear. But now I can see that I’m still needed here.”
“Oh, thank you,” Sophia hugged Eleanor tight. “I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Chapter 4
Back to Work
Sophia really enjoyed herself while organizing and creating a beautiful gallery for Eleanor. Eleanor had that private viewing of her husband’s artwork, and it was a huge success. She wasn’t surprised when Eleanor sold a few paintings to stabilize her finances. A heart operation, Sophia knew, was very costly.
A couple weeks later, Piney Woods’ Annual Book sale was a huge success. Sophia made a few of her delicious homemade treats to help with the event. She brought her always-popular Lemonade Cheesecake Pie and a variety of delicious cupcakes. The book sale ended up being a fun community event, and Sophia was glad that she could be a part of it. Helping to organize this book fair reminded Sophia why she enjoys professional organizing. The idea of helping a client who may be stressed and stuck with a project, and helping them arrive at a successful outcome is rewarding! For Eleanor, the outcome was much bigger than any client Sophia has worked with. Not only did Sophia help Eleanor organize her library and gallery, but also she was able to put to rest years of looking over her shoulder. Eleanor’s husband’s legacy was finally laid to rest. Eleanor was set free, and that felt good to Sophia to be a part of that.
Sophia had never had an experience like that with an organizing client. She always told her clients that she was there for them, but never thought it would include art thieves, blackmail, and possible murder. It was an interesting way to begin her career again as a professional organizer. Since everything turned out well, and with Eleanor’s permission, this would be an amazing client testimonial!
“Well furballs,” she told her two cats while sitting at her kitchen table sipping a warm cup of coffee, “Mr. Valente called me. He wants me to come to Italy and take a look at his home. It seems that over the years he has become lapse in his organizing skills. But something tells me that Mr. Valente has a very special project. He seemed excited for me to come help him!”
Hearing the phone ring beside the refrigerator Sophia stood up and stretched her neck. “I’ll only be a second,” she told her two cats.
Walking over to the phone Sophia looked out onto the back deck and saw her old friend the squirrel. She smiled. “Hello?”
“Hello, dear, this is Eleanor.”
“Oh Eleanor, how are you?”
“I’m fine dear. I’m calling to inform you that my recent visit with the doctor this morning went very well. He is pleased with the operation. He said my heart sounds very strong and that I have many years ahead of me.”
“Eleanor! I’m so happy.”
“As I am dear,” Eleanor agreed. “Now, with that bit of news taken care of I have one request.”
“Anything,” Eleanor promised.
“Drive into Piney Woods. Go to 16 Main Street.”
“The old hardware store?” Sophie asked.
“No dear,” Eleanor beamed. “Your new office. I’ll meet you there in one hour. It’s time for you to get back to work. Since you gave me a wonderful space, I wanted to give back to you. A woman of your standard needs her own office.”
Before Sophia could reply Eleanor hung up. With tears falling from her eyes she took her eyes to the squirrel that seemed lost in the beauty of the morning. “Well Patrick, I’m not sure what that squirrel is thinking about, but he sure seems happy. And for the first time in a long time, so am I. I know you’re in Heaven and someday we’ll be together. But for now, be with me my dear husband. The birds are chirping and the sky is blue, and I have a feeling there are many more people out there that need me.”
Without saying another word, Sophia walked out of the kitchen onto the back deck. The squirrel remained where he was. Sophia smiled and threw her face up into a clear blue sky and bright morning sun. Organizing, she knew, began in the heart. But it was always best to leave a few special boxes and tucked away to comfort the heart.
Sophia’s Extras
Sophia’s Recipes
Sophia loves cooking and baking. It was a treat for Sophia to help make Eleanor’s book sale event extra special. Sophia has shared the recipes that were a hit at the bake sale, as well as other recipes favorites with you below. Enjoy!
Mint Ground Coffee
Ingredients:
2/3 cup ground coffee
1 teaspoons of mint extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Add coffee ground to your food processor
2. Mix mint and vanilla extract in cup.
3. Cover food processor and start.
4. Carefully take lid off and add the extract mix to the food processor very slowly.
5. Use spatula to clean sides of processor. Be careful while cleaning the sides, and then let it mix for a few more seconds.
6. Store coffee in airtight container in the fridge. Use coffee mixture as you normally would.
Get creative and try this recipe with other flavorings. You can even use this to make ice coffee!
Summer Lemonade Pie
Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
2 (3.4 oz.) packages lemon instant pudding mix
1 tablespoon of lemon zest
2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12 oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 9-inch ready-made graham cracker piecrust
Thawed frozen whipped topping
Directions:
1. Whisk evaporated milk, lemon instant pudding, and lemon zest together in a bowl for two minutes or until mixture has thickened.
2. Beat cream cheese and vanilla together with an electric mixer on medium speed until mixture is fluffy.
3. Add lemonade concentrate to mixture, beating until it is smooth.
4. Add milk mixture and beat until it is well blended.
5. Pour mixture into crust. Cover the pie and chill for 8 hours or until it is firm.
6. Add a scoop of whipped topping to each slice as you serve.
Raspberry and Zucchini Cupcakes
Makes 12 cupcakes
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups flour
2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 white sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup shredded zucchini
2/3 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. G
rease muffin tins, or line with paper cupcake liners.
3. Whisk together flour, cocoa, and baking soda; set to side.
4. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer, until fluffy.
5. Add the eggs into butter mixture one at a time. Let the eggs completely blend in before you add another. Mix in vanilla with last egg.
6. Gradually add in flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just blended.
7. Carefully fold in zucchini, raspberries, and chocolate chips, mixing just enough that it is evenly mixed.
8. Spoon mixture into muffin cups, filing them 3/4 of the way full.
9. Bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Let muffins cool in pan for about 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on wire rack.
Brown Sugar Banana Bread Muffins
Makes 12
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 bananas, ripe and mashed
1/2 cup buttermilk at room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
2/3 cup brown sugar, with additional for muffin tops
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease muffin tins, or line with paper cupcake liners.
3. Melt the butter and set aside to slightly cool.
4. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
5. Mash the bananas in a small bowl using a fork, then stir in the buttermilk, egg and brown sugar with fork. Fold in the butter.
6. Fold in the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until it is just combined.
7. Spoon mixture into muffin cups, filing them 3/4 of the way full.
8. Sprinkle each muffin with a large pinch of brown sugar on top.
9. Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffin tops are a golden brown. Insert a toothpick in center of muffin. Toothpick should come out clean if done.
10. Cool for 10 minutes and serve.
Duke’s Favorite Catnip Cookies
Makes Lots!
Ingredients:
1 Can of tuna, drained
1 Cup of wheat flour
1 Tablespoon extra light olive oil
1 Tablespoon dried catnip
1 Egg
1-2 Tablespoons of water, more as needed
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
3. In food processor, combine tuna, flour, olive oil, catnip, egg, and water. Blend until smooth and completely mixed.
4. Roll pieces of dough into little cookies the size of a quarter and put on cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookies are browned on top. Cook long enough so they are crunchy.
6. Once cooled, keep in an airtight container and store in fridge. They will stay fresh for about a week.
Pinecone Peanut Butter Treat
These are great for squirrels and birds!
Ingredients:
Peanut butter
Bird seed
Pinecones
Yarn
Directions:
1. Spread peanut butter evenly on pinecone.
2. Roll pinecone in bowl of birdseed
3. Use string or yarn to make a loop long enough to hang on a branch.
Sophia’s Organizing Tips
Organizing Bookshelves
Sophia loves organizing bookshelves because she not only loves books, but she feels that bookshelves can be a work of art if decorated properly. Have you ever felt that your bookshelves have become just an open storage unit? Follow the tips below to help transform your bookshelves into a work of art!
Over our lifetime, we can collect many items that remind us of special events. Sentimental items that are given to us by those we care about, especially by children, can make it difficult when we are trying to reorganize our display cases and bookshelves. Unfortunately these items can accumulate and result in dust pile up and bookshelves that look chaotic!
It is possible for you to display your sentimental items and books beautifully. Design your bookshelves to draw people in instead of being an eye sore.
Here are three suggestions to keeping your bookshelves beautiful and useful:
1. Only display items that are meaningful to you. Don't feel obligated to display items that are given to you. Display items that you LOVE. With children's gifts, keep them for a time. Have a scrapbook to hold pictures of your children’s art pieces, filling the sleeves of photographs of the pieces that you don't keep. This photo album can be beautiful to keep on your bookshelf. This will greatly reduce the art clutter, and there is no guilt that the artwork has been discarded.
2. Re-arrange your bookshelves at least once a month or while dusting. Pull out items not being used or that you don’t enjoy anymore. Wipe down the shelves and its contents regularly. Having less on the shelves will make it easier to maintain.
3. Bookshelves can be artfully decorated. Limit what you load onto them, using a few special pieces mixed in with books. What is fun about designing your bookshelves is that you can always change it around. You change them to reflect the holidays or if you have purchase a new book. You can also trade pieces in and out so the display stays interesting. The rule of thumb is to display only two to three items along with your books. If you have lots of books on a shelf, I would recommend only having one or two items displayed. These items could include pictures in frames, collectables, small clocks, or sentimental items you collect. You can line your books in library style vertically, but you can also occasionally display books horizontally, like three or four with a collectable sitting on top of the stack of books.
Have fun and play around to see what brings a smile to your face. Your bookshelves are not meant to hold everything, just some books and items that are special to you.
Enjoy redesigning your shelves and remember that less is truly more!
Organizing Artwork
In Eleanor’s home she had a designated room just for her artwork. But not everyone has a gallery to store all their special pieces. In Eleanor’s space there was room to not only arrange artwork on the walls for displaying, but also there was space in a back closet to store the extra pieces. She had wood dividers that ran floor to ceiling so we could slide in pieces vertically, keeping them from being damaged and off the floor.
Here are some ideas on how you too can store your artwork to keep from being damaged when not on display:
1. Framed artwork can be wrapped in bubble wrap. You can find archival polyethylene plastic if you want to invest in the preservation of your pieces. This technique is also useful when you are moving or transporting pieces to a showing. Make sure that you store these pieces upright instead of stacking on a shelf horizontally. If you stack multiple pieces on top of each other they can get damaged from the pressure of the weight.
2. With unframed artwork you can store in a large portfolio or archival box. You can purchase a portfolio or make one out of a cardboard box. You can slide acid-free tissue paper between each piece of artwork.
3. Keep artwork stored at room temperature. By storing it at room temperature it will keep it from getting warped or brittle. It’s best to keep it at room temperature between 65 and 75 degrees.
Create Your Own Cardboard Portfolio
Supplies:
Cardboard
Utility knife
Duct Tape
Angela Agranoff - Sophia O'Malley 01 - Organized Blackmail Page 4