Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Mumford Morning
I can truly say that I am pretty happy about a bunch of the new music that is out right now. My ipod is full and makes my morning commute sweet as I really listen to the music and lyrics. We have all been waiting for Mumford & Sons to come out with a new one and they did not disappoint. It is one of those albums that gets better and better as you listen to it. Their appearance on SNL only helped matters. Need a little kick start on a dreary day? Pick the right song and get one!
Life After Top Chef
So, I have a bit of a crush on Fabio. If you follow this at all...then you are well aware. Here is yet another chance to see him in action. He cooks like a monster and yet has such an amazing approach to life. He keeps things simple and true in food, attitude and style...except for his abundant cologne and hair gel maybe. This show is highlighting the lives of four chefs after they have moved on from Top Chef. Richard is another favorite and it is hard to watch his struggles to maintain the balance of the hardest working man ever and family. Then there is Spike. A jerk and yet entertaining for some reason. I could do without the final chef but she only makes Fabio shine all the more. The more I learn about him the more I truly do appreciate all of his hard work, recipes and we can't forget about that smile. :)
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Wheel Class with JoAnn
If ever there was a time for a camera at this place...THIS was it. JoAnn was part teacher, part potter and part sit down comedian as she taught us the steps to throw. Every piece of the creation has a funny little anecdote to go along with it and if we weren't all concentrating so hard we would have been giggling the entire time. Way too busy thinking...we behaved. It was an informative first class but fun as well. I'd also like to mention that there are odd parts of my hands and arms somewhat sore. Since I ended up with three things that no longer look like balls of clay I can understand why. I can't, however, say WHAT they are so we'll call them vessels until some trimming helps give me a guide. The other students have a range of skills, ages and personalities but we're all there together to learn. Some people need to relax and feel the clay. Of course, I just imagined Patrick there behind me and I think I did alright. Now the fun begins....
Thanks, JoAnn for a great class!!!! It was a blast and I'm very excited!!!
Thanks, JoAnn for a great class!!!! It was a blast and I'm very excited!!!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Chicken and Brocolli Rabe with Polenta
So, the challenge has always been how to feed all of my people. Picky Pop Pop doesn't like anything too ethnic. He also hates mayo, sour cream, cilantro and rosemary. There are also a list of things he makes a face at...just because. My mother had dietary issues, psychological issues and teeth issues. Children...well...they are children so that is a challenge in itself. I have worked my way around all of these challenges but most of the time they meant that I sacrificed what I wanted but more importantly what I needed. I am taking some new strides. I will make food that is good for us as well as tastes good but people will just have to deal. I was never the make five different foods person but I am taking it a step higher. (Don't get me wrong, there will also be pizza nights.)
That being said, I busted out the WW cookbook and made a most delicious meal. The chicken was on sale, the rabe is in season and therefore inexpensive and the polenta was a NEW THING to make. Everyone got the same dish of food and guess what? We all devoured it. It didn't taste like a diet dish and I felt great knowing that we were getting a healthy meal that would keep me well within my points for the day. Grab a cookbook, find a new ingredient, try a different technique...you have to do it three to five times a day for the rest of your life...enjoy it!!!
That being said, I busted out the WW cookbook and made a most delicious meal. The chicken was on sale, the rabe is in season and therefore inexpensive and the polenta was a NEW THING to make. Everyone got the same dish of food and guess what? We all devoured it. It didn't taste like a diet dish and I felt great knowing that we were getting a healthy meal that would keep me well within my points for the day. Grab a cookbook, find a new ingredient, try a different technique...you have to do it three to five times a day for the rest of your life...enjoy it!!!
Hike to Top of Mt. Minsi
Leigh Ann and I have set this hike for what seems like an eternity. Someone wasn't feeling well or was busy or it was too hot or too cold. This time we weren't taking the way out but the way up and boy were we challenged.
We picked a sunny, autumn day on a (finally open) weekend and headed for the trail. A drop fell on us but with a clear forecast and a blue sky we felt it was safe. Then the skies opened upon us. Heavier and heavier the rains got as we climbed slippery rocks and leaf covered paths to the pinnacle. There was a boy scout troop and many other hikers to play leapfrog with as we passed and fell behind them over and over. Did I mention we were doing this after a seven day fast on just liquid? So there we were soaked, chilly and starving (and very, very out of shape(me, not Leigh Ann)) climbing up a packed trail. There was thunder and a quick lesson on the scatter technique to be used should we see lightning. There were pauses to catch breath. Others, to rest fatigued calves. Some just to look at the view. There was even a help up and over one of the big rocks as Leigh Ann's hand was the fifth force to move me to the top. (Two arms and two legs weren't doing the job). There was much gabbing about my big trip to the psychic as well as all of the topics two girls can cover in a four hour trek up and down a mountain. At the top, the sunshine greeted me as a kind little reward for the work. The view was magnificent. The way down was still challenging with slippery slopes and major inclines full of salamanders and a chill from our soaked clothing but the mood stayed up the whole time. We were two chicks on a mission. This hike cleared my head, moved my body, nurtured my soul and completed a goal. It was a helluva workout, a heaping helping of therapy, a dash of adventure and a whole lot of laughter. I felt different as we parted ways on the walk home. I also got to use the sunglasses perched atop my head the entire time as if they symbolized the hope I always have that it will, indeed, get brighter. I walked with the sunshine peering through a cloud right at me with such brilliance I could barely see. It was a message of the symbolism of the hike that I was sure to accept. A week of cleansing and hike to follow made me feel stronger than I had in a long time. It will get brighter when the work is complete.
I have thanked her many times but I have to say once more... THANK YOU, Leigh Ann, for the push, the support and the friendship and the truly unique role that you have in my life.
We picked a sunny, autumn day on a (finally open) weekend and headed for the trail. A drop fell on us but with a clear forecast and a blue sky we felt it was safe. Then the skies opened upon us. Heavier and heavier the rains got as we climbed slippery rocks and leaf covered paths to the pinnacle. There was a boy scout troop and many other hikers to play leapfrog with as we passed and fell behind them over and over. Did I mention we were doing this after a seven day fast on just liquid? So there we were soaked, chilly and starving (and very, very out of shape(me, not Leigh Ann)) climbing up a packed trail. There was thunder and a quick lesson on the scatter technique to be used should we see lightning. There were pauses to catch breath. Others, to rest fatigued calves. Some just to look at the view. There was even a help up and over one of the big rocks as Leigh Ann's hand was the fifth force to move me to the top. (Two arms and two legs weren't doing the job). There was much gabbing about my big trip to the psychic as well as all of the topics two girls can cover in a four hour trek up and down a mountain. At the top, the sunshine greeted me as a kind little reward for the work. The view was magnificent. The way down was still challenging with slippery slopes and major inclines full of salamanders and a chill from our soaked clothing but the mood stayed up the whole time. We were two chicks on a mission. This hike cleared my head, moved my body, nurtured my soul and completed a goal. It was a helluva workout, a heaping helping of therapy, a dash of adventure and a whole lot of laughter. I felt different as we parted ways on the walk home. I also got to use the sunglasses perched atop my head the entire time as if they symbolized the hope I always have that it will, indeed, get brighter. I walked with the sunshine peering through a cloud right at me with such brilliance I could barely see. It was a message of the symbolism of the hike that I was sure to accept. A week of cleansing and hike to follow made me feel stronger than I had in a long time. It will get brighter when the work is complete.
I have thanked her many times but I have to say once more... THANK YOU, Leigh Ann, for the push, the support and the friendship and the truly unique role that you have in my life.
The Psychic
Part of the birthday that doesn't seem to end (which is just fine by me) was a trip out to Williamsport to visit a psychic I have heard so much about. I did lots of new things this particular day but this wins the blog post.
Two hours felt like thirty minutes and all I have thought about since is how to return to do it again. It was a magical experience...magical. This wasn't your gypsy-crystal ball-squinty-eyed-carnie...this was a well educated, well spoken and well recognized woman. Many of you might not believe and that is fine but when you spend minute after minute hearing things about your life with such accuracy you simply can't dispute the system. She said I was born to teach and help people heal, that I was a good salesperson and that I wasn't meant to write. This is nothing we don't all know. I am all of those things and if you have been following me than you know a writer...I am not. I tell my story with honesty, vulnerability and hope but seldom do I do it without many grammatical and other various writing issues. But I have taught since I was young enough to stand in front of stuffies who listened and I have healed the people in my life to the point of draining my own energies. She said I went off of the original path of creativity in some form of stage, music, art or dance to do what "had to be done" in my life. That seems true as well and maybe why I still appreciate those things so much even if only through being in the audience. There was a mention of a temper as well as the work being put in to control it. I am also opinionated, a leader and like to be the boss. Those details will also not come as a shock to anyone that knows me. I tend to fall into "management" positions everywhere I go. It sounds as if this year will be a tricky one with some "upheaval" as she put it but that I would be surrounded by many forms of support. It will also be a good year of growth and moving toward what I want from life since I am finding my way back to who I was supposed to be. She cleared up some very interesting things about my past and answered some lifelong questions. Part therapy, part magic and part surreal...this event was truly amazing. I believe it was meant to be at that moment in time and I am thankful to the universe, Ms. Smith and to Mary for the gift. Now, if you don't mind, I have to go work on my "warrior queen".
Two hours felt like thirty minutes and all I have thought about since is how to return to do it again. It was a magical experience...magical. This wasn't your gypsy-crystal ball-squinty-eyed-carnie...this was a well educated, well spoken and well recognized woman. Many of you might not believe and that is fine but when you spend minute after minute hearing things about your life with such accuracy you simply can't dispute the system. She said I was born to teach and help people heal, that I was a good salesperson and that I wasn't meant to write. This is nothing we don't all know. I am all of those things and if you have been following me than you know a writer...I am not. I tell my story with honesty, vulnerability and hope but seldom do I do it without many grammatical and other various writing issues. But I have taught since I was young enough to stand in front of stuffies who listened and I have healed the people in my life to the point of draining my own energies. She said I went off of the original path of creativity in some form of stage, music, art or dance to do what "had to be done" in my life. That seems true as well and maybe why I still appreciate those things so much even if only through being in the audience. There was a mention of a temper as well as the work being put in to control it. I am also opinionated, a leader and like to be the boss. Those details will also not come as a shock to anyone that knows me. I tend to fall into "management" positions everywhere I go. It sounds as if this year will be a tricky one with some "upheaval" as she put it but that I would be surrounded by many forms of support. It will also be a good year of growth and moving toward what I want from life since I am finding my way back to who I was supposed to be. She cleared up some very interesting things about my past and answered some lifelong questions. Part therapy, part magic and part surreal...this event was truly amazing. I believe it was meant to be at that moment in time and I am thankful to the universe, Ms. Smith and to Mary for the gift. Now, if you don't mind, I have to go work on my "warrior queen".
Sleepwalk With Me
I'm pretty proud of our little theater for having this film. It's the movie based on a true story that was a play as well as a book. You follow along on the journey of a bartender with a stale relationship who just wants to be a comedian. It is funny but has moments that break your heart. Then there are the sleepwalking scenes which range from goofy to life-threatening. If it teaches us anything it's to cut your losses sooner and move forward to what you hope to become. Oh, and that dreams can make you do some crazy things. It's only in a few theaters in this entire state so I was appreciative that it was only a few minutes away. Thank you, Pocono Community Theater for the chance to see it!!!
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