Why?

If you were turning on a movie wouldn't you drag out the popcorn? Wouldn't you turn out the lights? If you were reading a good book wouldn't you snuggle up on the couch on a comfy pillow under your warmest blanket?

Why should visiting your favorite internet site be any less thrilling...

While visiting The Quiet Corner consider the following:

1. Turn off the lights and burn a few candles. 

What is your favorite scent? Vanilla, cinnamon, berry? Go to your local pharmacy and purchase a few of those ninety-nine cent babies... Let them fill the room with that heavenly aroma!

    2.   Turn on your favorite music.

No great novel should be read in silence. There must be some soft rock station that can carry you to the heights of happiness... Maybe something classical or mellow? How about that favorite CD you save for when you are in that special mood...

    3.    Savor something special to drink as you savor the story.

Do you enjoy wine, beer, or something non-alcholic? Some suggestions:

• Lambrusco has always been a favorite wine of mine. My husband treated me to it on our anniversary once. It is slightly tart, yet semi-sweet. It has a flavor I just adore...

• Non-alcoholic drinks: Try some filling a glass 3/4 full with orange juice. Add some cranberry juice and a few splashes of ginger ale. It can be a real treat while being healthy too. Any juice that you like can be substituted for the orange and cranberry juice. And instead of ginger ale, mix your favorite juice with Schweppes Raspberry Soda.

    4.    A great substitute to popcorn!

Without the work of picking those darned shells out of your teeth, try hot buttered cheerios. FRIED CHEERIOS??? Yes, I am serious. They are extremely easy to make and delicious. The recipe came on the back of the box at one time, so I am not making this up. In a frying pan over medium heat melt two or three tablespoons of butter. Add a few shakes of garlic powder and salt. Your taste buds may prefer a little more or less than mine. Add in a cup of cheerios and stir until the cheerios are nice and golden brown. It takes only a few short minutes. Be careful not to burn the cheerios! They are rather temperamental... Serve with a little extra melted butter and salt if desired.

    5.    Whatever you do, make the occasion memorable!

These stories are meant to be an enjoyable experience. You should end each visit feeling you have been on a memorable trip into the world of the author's imagination. Let each episode take you to another place in time. Forget the troubles of the real world for these few brief moments of pleasure...

Do you have a suggestion for enhancing the moment?

E-mail us: The Quiet Corner