tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73056375640374801822024-03-19T06:17:05.508-04:00Daisybrain Lives!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-88915883636794127512018-04-10T15:31:00.001-04:002018-04-10T15:33:29.031-04:00Vegan, Gluten Free, Easy as Fuck Crackers<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Yummy Seed Crisps</b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the graduation ceremony of the 200 Hr. YTT that I was privileged to mentor this past winter I made some crackers that were a hit. I promised the attendees that I would give them the recipe so here it is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is so simple and nutritious and happens to be gluten free if that’s your jam. It’s not mine but, whatever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Feel free to riff on this basic formula with different seasonings and seeds. For instance I haven’t tried chia seeds but think they would be successful as a replacement or in concert with the flax meal.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8cMPJdoZgPIRNdVmwLkpjRkde3ih9hhq6DZu77hUQP0yVmkBpr3tqA2DPnNJL89aiW4a71nUGjknM0mnTcGjCF02LmJdgjNq-G_zsZAsu8HCJCh_Xa1O_-ZlCqf4xtLobRo3pziCflk/s1600/IMG_20180319_094514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1236" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8cMPJdoZgPIRNdVmwLkpjRkde3ih9hhq6DZu77hUQP0yVmkBpr3tqA2DPnNJL89aiW4a71nUGjknM0mnTcGjCF02LmJdgjNq-G_zsZAsu8HCJCh_Xa1O_-ZlCqf4xtLobRo3pziCflk/s400/IMG_20180319_094514.jpg" width="308" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ingredients</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup flax meal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup sesame seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup flax seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 tbs. raw sunflower seeds (optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 tbs. raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds, also optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 tbs Bragg liquid aminos or tamari sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tsp. garlic powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Additional spices might include garam masala, berbere, cumin, cayenne. Feel free to experiment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Put all the ingredients in a bowl and stir. Let it all sit in the bowl for at least 30 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spoon the mix onto the parchment and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly. If you don’t have an offset spatula, a knife or regular spatula might due.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Use a pizza cutter or some other implement to score the batter in squares or whatever shape you like. If you forget to score it, as I have on occasion, it’s no big deal. You can just break them up when they’re done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bake them for 45-60 minutes or until they seem sufficiently crispy. They should be uniformly brown. Underbaking them will render a kind of chewy texture that is not so appealing. You can tap around them to see if there are any soft spots. Basically, bake them till they're done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When they’re done remove them from the oven and allow to cool before breaking and consuming. While they cool they crackle like Rice Crispies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Follow this link to the hummus recipe I served. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://food52.com/recipes/22888-yotam-ottolenghi-sami-tamimi-s-basic-hummus" target="_blank">https://food52.com/recipes/22888-yotam-ottolenghi-sami-tamimi-s-basic-hummus</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I add 2 tsp. of ground cumin to the mix. It is so good when served warm, sprinkled with smoked paprika and drizzled with olive oil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enjoy</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-82310755955956239422018-03-29T13:13:00.000-04:002018-03-29T13:13:21.661-04:00<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portrait Daniel Genova danielgenova.com</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">I have a memory of a conversation I had with one of my best high school friends and her father. I believe it was about Deepak Chopra although it must have been very early in his career since the conversation could not have happened any later than 1986 or so and was probably even earlier in the 80s. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">The conversation was about the mind body connection and the heart as an emotional organ. There was discussion about a doctor’s work (probably Chopra) researching the management of heart disease through meditation and bio-feedback. I remember that my friend’s father dismissed it all as "a bunch of bunk", stating that the heart was a muscle and nothing more. What’s more we were all in agreement. All hail drugs and modern medicine!!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">If I were to have that conversation today it would go very differently. I can’t say that I believe 100% in Dr. Chopra’s work but absolutely believe that through meditation, awareness of the subtle body and body work we can consciously impact our inner landscape. Does that mean we can cure ourselves of cancer? I’m no expert there and have certainly seen enough cancer among my friends and family to say probably not although instances of radical remission have been documented.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">What I do know is that having lost my father to a blood pressure and stress induced cerebral hemorrhage, I still wish we had not put off our planned meditation sessions. I was pretty sure that the blood pressure meds he was on weren’t helping him and may have been hurting him. I am convinced that what he needed was to relax and to tap into the healing nature of turning has awareness inside. He was no stranger to eastern approaches to wellness having spent time in India in the 70's and was amenable my help here. We never got the chance.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">For myself, I know that my meditation practice has made me a more patient parent and partner and I have experienced some of what was discussed in my 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training and in other mediation/pranayama sessions I've attended. I now know that I can manipulate my lung function, consciously draw down on one lobe of my lungs at a time and feel the lift in my pelvic floor when I exhale. That is just the tip of the iceberg and it is so cool.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Take the time to observe your inner landscape. Learn about your body, how it works and the position of all the puzzle pieces. You won’t be harming anything and you might even be helping yourself and others.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-40033841078051549232017-11-26T10:26:00.000-05:002017-11-26T10:26:33.090-05:00Thanksgiving Celebration Roast<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold;">The Celebration Roast</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFocHrvdhe4-XDItF14oxseMNR9-wRdwgA4l6iYvH1iP6yNt4tLxmKGHt7Y9GLZEFcRL3XMQoZM40PvmF2xylz4lGpq1KyahANENradwvqim04w9r747Od_ZgB7O0kE5U7nk1ruuCFFlw/s1600/IMG_20171122_193354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFocHrvdhe4-XDItF14oxseMNR9-wRdwgA4l6iYvH1iP6yNt4tLxmKGHt7Y9GLZEFcRL3XMQoZM40PvmF2xylz4lGpq1KyahANENradwvqim04w9r747Od_ZgB7O0kE5U7nk1ruuCFFlw/s400/IMG_20171122_193354.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">There have been a lot of questions about the celebration roast I made for Thanksgiving.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Full disclosure, I got the recipe from another blog, Mouthwatering Vegan, and yes I made a few adjustments.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://mouthwateringvegan.com/?wiziapp_display=latest">http://mouthwateringvegan.com/?wiziapp_display=latest</a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">It is a three-step process that begins as a savory dough. You’re making seitan. The dough consists of vital wheat gluten flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill), beets, nutritional yeast, dried mint, onion powder, soy sauce, olive oil, tahini, miso. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">After mixing the dough you mold it into a shape. Mine looked like a big brain. I then simmered it for an hour in a broth of water, wine, soy sauce, rosemary, sage. I wrapped it in cheese cloth to be sure it wouldn’t fall apart. It’s pretty dense. It probably wouldn’t have fallen apart but better safe. Then I removed it from the broth and let it cool. At this point it really looks and feels like some kind of sports ball. You really want this to simmer NOT boil.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Next step.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-XBZ1FbRtnjNL2-FOEsoAQiAygjmKGvArEocs6z5cENsOFbOOenhc9S2oXvnQtjAB_6h1m6QWrjQS1XIYslK4mGVoqehJs2EaeXCu2M_yrJ9qbQX5eC63iCoqKaFAtwadWbkYCP2mv4/s1600/IMG_20171123_174526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-XBZ1FbRtnjNL2-FOEsoAQiAygjmKGvArEocs6z5cENsOFbOOenhc9S2oXvnQtjAB_6h1m6QWrjQS1XIYslK4mGVoqehJs2EaeXCu2M_yrJ9qbQX5eC63iCoqKaFAtwadWbkYCP2mv4/s400/IMG_20171123_174526.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Cut holes in the thing and stud it with garlic. Put it in a Dutch oven and surround it with roasting vegetables of your choice. I had onions, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, mushrooms, more garlic, lemon slices and some preserved lemon. Shove in some rosemary sprigs and sage and some whole garlic bulbs cut in half. Do I have to tell you to put some salt and pepper in there? I think not. Just do it.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Into the blender place a few pitted dates, fresh mint, lemon juice, more preserved lemon and its juice, pepper corms, olive oil, more soy sauce and garlic, miso and oregano. Blend it up. Pour some of this slurry over the “meat” and put it a preheated 350 degree oven. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">I started it covered then removed the cover after half an hour or so. I probably roasted it for an hour and a half pouring more slurry over the roast every 20-25 minutes. What was left of the slurry made a good gravy but there wasn’t much of it.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Speaking of gravy, I recommend a good mushroom one for the finished product. I make a mushroom-miso-mustard one that rocks.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Regarding seitan, there are lots of recipes out there for different veggie “meat” dishes. I will be experimenting with some sandwich slices too because the ones at the store are expensive and mostly processed unless you’re buying Field Roast, or Uptons. More on that later.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-84305881159878845892017-11-11T16:10:00.000-05:002017-11-26T09:39:46.107-05:00Golden Milk Morning Concoction<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In September I promised my yogis at
Red Hook Pilates that I’d share with them the recipe for my morning
concoction which consists of golden milk paste, maple syrup or honey, almond
milk and tea or coffee.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
It took a while, but I have finally documented the process for them and anyone
else who would like to know.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
My son thinks I should have prettied myself up a bit for this video but, hey,
sometimes you just gotta keep it real.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Turmeric has been touted for its
anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has also been credited for curing all
kinds of afflictions from cancer to Alzheimer’s. Some of these benefits I believe,
others not so much, obviously. Honestly,
I don’t know if feel better or my health has improved as a result of my making
turmeric beverages almost every morning for the better part of a year but I don’t
care. I think this stuff tastes great
and if improved health is the result then so be it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">One more word to the wise, turmeric requires pepper to be effective so make sure that you include it. Coconut or another oil will also be helpful for absorption as turmeric is fat soluble. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
Enjoy,</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br />
Primula Cerebri</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-49897818462152908172017-09-06T21:19:00.002-04:002017-11-11T16:09:23.639-05:00ACBG PRACTICE 1<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Yesterday I did what my family has been asking me to do for some time. I practiced yoga with my son. Now 15, he ha been in physical, occupational and speech therapies since he was young. Even though he only remains in speech therapy and does well in school there are physical challenges that remain. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">In middle school he ran track and cross country. This helped a lot with the physical challenges. His high school, as much as we like it, doesn't offer the same caliber of athletic training.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">In going through a simple yoga sequence with him I learned a lot about his body. Man, there are so many incongruities and nothing that some regular, simple practice can't address. The kid is 15. He's been in his body a much shorter time than I've been in mine. It is now my job to make sure that this body serves him well.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Even simple things need practice sometimes; pedaling a bicycle, reaching for something on a high shelf. Which muscle actions are useful and which I ones are unnecessary. He needs to learn this. It doesn't help that he's grown about 5” this year. It's like he's always getting used to a new body.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">I will continue to find the time to practice with him because it's important that he have the physical stamina, coordination and mental focus to face what lies ahead. I may not be a physical therapist but I know I can help.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gusty and Sister Princess now</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-66844037652631412372017-08-07T17:25:00.002-04:002017-08-07T17:25:47.343-04:00Age Is Just a Number<br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Age Is Just a Number</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">My dwindling budget aside, I have really been enjoying the free yoga offered every Thursday in Prospect Park. These classes are being offered all summer long and the last one is on August 31. Take advantage if you can.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">One of the things I like best is that every week the class is taught by a different instructor. Having belonged to one yoga studio for the better part of two years I found a routine that worked for my schedule and went to the same classes with the same teachers weekly. Sure, I loved these teachers and their approaches but also found joy when there was a sub.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">While many, if they know a sub is scheduled decide instead not to practice, I always welcome the opportunity to experience a different approach. I discovered several talented teachers this way as I have with #Prospectparkyoga2017.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Last week’s teacher was a boisterous, big, black woman with a studio in Crown Heights. Her voice was her own as she took us through the sequence challenging our expectations, bodies and breath. As the class progressed it became clear that this was going to be a challenging yet basic class well intended to motivate beginners and seasoned yogis alike.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">As you might imagine, I was surrounded by yogis 20 or more years my junior. It didn't take long for them to begin groaning as the sequence became harder and their breath became unsteady. I was resolute, maintaining even inhalations and exhalations and finishing the class as I should, feeling strong, grounded and refreshed.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">So, to all those 20 and 30 somethings practicing in the grass with me I say, keep it up and you too could be strong like this middle aged lady.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">As the class came to a close it began to rain. Savasana in the rain is an interesting experience, as this video will attest.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">See you in the park next week.</span></div>
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Raindrops Keep Fallilng in my Eyes</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-28420198550548409102017-03-02T13:08:00.000-05:002017-03-02T13:08:10.795-05:00Musings on Ardha Chandrasana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Jk5LIZNuHTBlMdSOI2xfnG0mGvYOdkOxp9nR9SUfnhDjiciL_s4ZK8L9380WZGBk8X5rCsZSxMgC1F7dNt738kOkrQdwUtPHzFyA9TdLsLmeQZLJQeLdRYdaiuyLbwSOiRLFwV6MQMU/s1600/Tracy31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Jk5LIZNuHTBlMdSOI2xfnG0mGvYOdkOxp9nR9SUfnhDjiciL_s4ZK8L9380WZGBk8X5rCsZSxMgC1F7dNt738kOkrQdwUtPHzFyA9TdLsLmeQZLJQeLdRYdaiuyLbwSOiRLFwV6MQMU/s320/Tracy31.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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Musings on Ardha Chandrasana</div>
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In considering the principals of alignment based yoga I am reminded of my recent experiences with Ardha Chandrasana,<br />
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Ardha Chandrasana is a posture I had been executing with relative success until 18 months ago. During my 200 hour YTT I was asked to maintain the outward rotation of the standing leg, plug the femur bone in to the hip socket and maintain Trikonasana alignment in that leg. 18 months later and my foot and leg still want to turn inward. 18 months later and I am still more likely to fall rather than balance in the posture. 18 months later and I am finally able to extend my arm towards the sky for a few breaths (sometimes).<br />
<br />
Externally rotating the femur bone and maintaining that alignment of the standing leg leg has completely changed this pose for me. Sure, one way it has changed is that is much harder for me to maintain my balance. But why? The adjustment is seemingly minor. It seems simple. It isn't. I've had to look at why my foot turns in and why the balance is so much easier when it does. Is it just habit? Is it easier to cling to my Samskara rather than evolve? Does that inward turn make my base more stable? I doubt it.<br />
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Those are the the challenges of the change. What are the positives?<br />
<br />
Other ways the asana has changed for me is that it is much stronger. As my distribution of weight has changed so has the strength I can gather in my standing leg. As my bones align the muscles are able to engage more fully. That strength more readily transfers from the foot to the leg, into the hips and out to the extended leg and heel. I can feel this energy course up my spine, into my skull and into my outstretched arms and fingers. Binding it all together is the breath. As soon as that stops the whole thing falls apart.<br />
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For now I will continue to refine this and all the other asanas that are integrated into my practices. I will bring my awareness to what works and where the stability is and break habits to find new insight. I will use that insight to push past fear and learn new postures well in order to preserve my joints and those of my students. Taking the time to get it "right", while potentially difficult, will elevate my practice and the practices of those I teach.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-91755610942415425322012-01-15T19:44:00.000-05:002012-01-15T19:55:03.547-05:00Oh Tannenbaum<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how I found our gingerbread man this morning. I swear...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0W_N0MH2HU_TxM-xUfABaJkPYf9hK9h2Uby4Dxnv6TkbzjaAmPcSZbbDoA7lLFWR_9LYe8nx5qgr4ZWkzf4ICm5s3oY5iGubJDAD6dKIYQ8WGQcX_n_xMauUUBVzoBGR2ezIiFzZxlM/s1600/2012-01-15+09.49.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0W_N0MH2HU_TxM-xUfABaJkPYf9hK9h2Uby4Dxnv6TkbzjaAmPcSZbbDoA7lLFWR_9LYe8nx5qgr4ZWkzf4ICm5s3oY5iGubJDAD6dKIYQ8WGQcX_n_xMauUUBVzoBGR2ezIiFzZxlM/s200/2012-01-15+09.49.13.jpg" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gift from Lois oh so many years ago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our
Christmas tree is still up. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yup.
Today is January 15 and our Christmas tree is still up. </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">When
I was a kid I would beg my mom to let us keep the tree until my
birthday on January 9. She always said , "no". It would
make too much of a mess. Denial on the other hand likes to keep the
tree around until my birthday, which I love about him. All I know is
that it remains up, a homage to our busy lives. Sure, after I get
home and pretend to make dinner, get Gusty to do his homework,
practice the cello and make sure that his music theory homework is
done then put him to bed I COULD go to the basement get the boxes and
wrap all of those small precious ornaments but it's all I can do to
knit a few stitches, wash my face, brush my teeth and throw myself
into bed.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrwHBrsFmnkz6MhuA8BTwXP4eOjABc6yNsFhXJ6TGm8MS9yxqK-v3hrjfptino5kgVbrNDxvbZjSptGjVa1n4HVB1SmzhmZwYqS42CoHqNAvyOioP_F3TuAlMXtjSxWK4F5dpsJldwIQ/s1600/2012-01-15+09.48.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrwHBrsFmnkz6MhuA8BTwXP4eOjABc6yNsFhXJ6TGm8MS9yxqK-v3hrjfptino5kgVbrNDxvbZjSptGjVa1n4HVB1SmzhmZwYqS42CoHqNAvyOioP_F3TuAlMXtjSxWK4F5dpsJldwIQ/s200/2012-01-15+09.48.29.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQS2cxGKqAo32nn_PBM2akg_2afQ1_E6BuTn8YsBVz_m7m6HMMXZlvu-aGPzkl6GRsrlbkOnrvK8brYpxss6RLJSWmyhbYScNUDPk9KYGUTGw1eimH2t4CtJ47XXxVlFvywf6eD1spGY/s1600/2012-01-15+17.39.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQS2cxGKqAo32nn_PBM2akg_2afQ1_E6BuTn8YsBVz_m7m6HMMXZlvu-aGPzkl6GRsrlbkOnrvK8brYpxss6RLJSWmyhbYScNUDPk9KYGUTGw1eimH2t4CtJ47XXxVlFvywf6eD1spGY/s200/2012-01-15+17.39.21.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remnants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don't
get me wrong, I like the tree. It's festive and smells good. The
problem is that it's in what is supposed to be my crafting room.
That's right. I actually get a crafting room. It doesn't matter
though because when the tree comes down I'll be able to look at that
space and marvel at how little I really use it. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">I
have plans to sew, make myself a dress form and design beautiful
things to wear, sell and give away to deserving friends. I want to
go through all of my photos, organize them and seriously get rid of
the ones that mean nothing to me at this point. Oh goddess please
afford me the time and energy to indulge my creative side.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Who
am I kidding? I can't even find time to dismantle a tree. It is
Sunday. I think today's the day.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlFmXYkXS7gGBXlZV1kVO753jKtnqbIW77OysgEvj16asBRt1QPhTEA6uUGEBae0ArJeaA6T27KQfc20XUZ2f_WMzQvpiNePLbbEf5uk1wJ8Xslo3pJYfXyYsuS4EHHTxhCN2pGFzxjQ/s1600/2012-01-15+17.38.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlFmXYkXS7gGBXlZV1kVO753jKtnqbIW77OysgEvj16asBRt1QPhTEA6uUGEBae0ArJeaA6T27KQfc20XUZ2f_WMzQvpiNePLbbEf5uk1wJ8Xslo3pJYfXyYsuS4EHHTxhCN2pGFzxjQ/s320/2012-01-15+17.38.57.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The corner without the tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Done.....</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-36112117029375243502012-01-14T07:54:00.000-05:002012-01-16T08:41:42.885-05:00Au Revoir Marie Christine<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><style type="text/css">
<!--
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</style><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">On
Christmas Eve I learned of the death of a dear friend. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARH7rVZwOJayU76kYJWEvtyUM3eqn1qxnpKBVv9obOd63fXDEIPLZOcJA4_SoEKIBCItylrypAL-R9-GDpOZlyBX9Uo3VpuItSmhASTEOV4bHUMqDUiNgP3Wxs2Xg37kpbs00TeWbPFY/s1600/2012-01-11+17.10.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARH7rVZwOJayU76kYJWEvtyUM3eqn1qxnpKBVv9obOd63fXDEIPLZOcJA4_SoEKIBCItylrypAL-R9-GDpOZlyBX9Uo3VpuItSmhASTEOV4bHUMqDUiNgP3Wxs2Xg37kpbs00TeWbPFY/s320/2012-01-11+17.10.48.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">We
met in the late 80's when I was just out of school and was working at
ELLE Magazine. She had been aquatinted with my boss and was trying
to get some work as a stylist. My boss, Regis, didn't care to hire
her but somehow she and I managed to strike up quite a friendship in
the process. I can't even remember how it came about really. She
was significantly older than me. She had me to dinner at her home.
I met her then husband. She went to France, came back, got divorced.
She stayed with me and hosted me in Paris. I began raising a family
and she rediscovered her stepdaughter. Childless, she fell in love
with my son and her stepdaughter's son and showered them with gifts.
She spent time with my family on Shelter Island and had great respect
for my mother. She was at times frustrating but her giant heart and
love of life always won out with me. For 23 years she made me crazy
and we loved each other. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">On
December 8, while living in Paris (which she hated) she had a heart
attack and died. Even thought I hadn't seen her in two years my
world is different without her. She used to say to me, "Oh
Tracy, getting old really sucks." Always attractive, even at 70
she would show up in leather pants and decked out in black. </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrKpxNZGGiY4WnuZUMRSlL0GMVOR_Yd6OpO2G4w_Fo0VZpYYl3lxHIwFtOP-v8iIBD3KXsfsoHOjD4aXKyHw_uwoXiKqq6x336yfZn-u5zWvPB3AJtEHYU53D_Di1pWnsNNAzxikuz8A/s1600/2012-01-11+17.07.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrKpxNZGGiY4WnuZUMRSlL0GMVOR_Yd6OpO2G4w_Fo0VZpYYl3lxHIwFtOP-v8iIBD3KXsfsoHOjD4aXKyHw_uwoXiKqq6x336yfZn-u5zWvPB3AJtEHYU53D_Di1pWnsNNAzxikuz8A/s320/2012-01-11+17.07.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">I
have keepsakes. She used to wear all her rings on a chain around her
neck. One day she took the chain off and removed a Cartier ring from
it. "Mais tu est folle," I said. "C'est un
Cartier!". "I have others," she said. "This one
I want you to have.". Because of her I now wear my rings on a
chain around my neck. When she last moved back to France I got to
ransack her apartment. Among the items I got from her at that time
is a small Le Creuset covered casserole which I have never used.
It's perfect for confit and roasting small birds. Living as I do in
my veg household I don't have opportunities to make such things so in
her honor I have prepared this confit of cippolini onions.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yjKMQwSfv7lSg9GSJwIyZF_da6BREYc1YOIBhpu13BYVAqNK9fEkZjKftPH6wRQ1R6gKMN3tzfaih0MwmgjxlWPPYc_XCWWK9E_7ZeD0OVhVtdcSQHFTjxG8f9MgGSZV_XS07uWC5BY/s1600/2012-01-12+18.09.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yjKMQwSfv7lSg9GSJwIyZF_da6BREYc1YOIBhpu13BYVAqNK9fEkZjKftPH6wRQ1R6gKMN3tzfaih0MwmgjxlWPPYc_XCWWK9E_7ZeD0OVhVtdcSQHFTjxG8f9MgGSZV_XS07uWC5BY/s320/2012-01-12+18.09.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">If
anyone out there has ideas of what other yummy vegetarian things I
can slow roast in this beautiful casserole let me know. In the
meantime I will savor my onions and lift a glass of Cotes du Rhone in
Marie Christine's honor. Salut mon amie... </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-22890328585883840872011-12-18T18:47:00.001-05:002011-12-19T12:03:10.988-05:00When I have a plan...<div align="LEFT" style="background: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thursday
night went really well. That's what happens when I have a plan.
Even though Gusty had street hockey until 4:30 and we didn't get home
until almost 6:00 we managed to get all the homework done, practice
the cello, have a real home cooked meal, watch a 1/2 hour of
Boomerang and and still get to bed at a normal hour. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dinner
was braised tofu sticks with green beans and rice. I had never made
tofu sticks before and was unsure what to do with them. If you've
never seen them, they're available at Asian markets. They come in a
bag and look like giant, yellow, gnarled witch's fingers. I have
gotten them before and they languished in the cupboard and ended up
in the garbage. Not this time. Inspired by Gusty's desire for a
reproduction of the roast "duck" served at the vegetarian
Chinese joints, I looked into their preparation. Suffice to say that
they will become a regular on the meal roster.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaw_SxY83oUdyNIclxWGkE_3N2HoBkn-TTlTQZzHuTaRPNuRon-MNBvPoinsBuD1dQ3bXjnieoz1oqK9Nh9_3sVKid2cjg8y8dFewMRnwZC4ItFy7exYXxtBiVvD2ctpAvYeLlgTDaiMM/s1600/2011-12-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaw_SxY83oUdyNIclxWGkE_3N2HoBkn-TTlTQZzHuTaRPNuRon-MNBvPoinsBuD1dQ3bXjnieoz1oqK9Nh9_3sVKid2cjg8y8dFewMRnwZC4ItFy7exYXxtBiVvD2ctpAvYeLlgTDaiMM/s200/2011-12-15.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">I
put them to soak in the morning before we left the house and when we
returned home I put them in a pot with star anise, cinnamon sticks,
sugar, rice wine, soy sauce, a few dried chilies and ginger. After a
40 minute simmer they were ready to eat along with simple preparation
brown rice and some garlic sautéed green beans. Gusty, who
originally complained that he would be eating something brown (huh?)
ate them with wild abandon and we all enjoyed the chewy texture along
with the sweet and savory broth. A topping of garlic chili sauce
didn't hurt either.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">The
braising broth was complex. It had some spice, some sweet, some
savory... I wondered what it would taste like if I simmered it until
a reduction ensued. After refrigerating the tofu, I put the pot back
on to simmer for about 45 minutes and I wasn't disappointed with the
results. The broth reduced to a more pungent version of itself and I
tried it over vanilla ice cream. That was good too but next time
I'll sprinkle on a few sesame seeds. The plot thickens.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">When
I make the tofu sticks again I'm going to soak them in a more
flavorful concoction, maybe some tea and peppercorns. They absorb a
ton of liquid. Why shouldn't that liquid have some taste.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">On
Friday night we had tofu pups and popcorn for dinner. I definitely
did not have a plan.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-70995694553630753122011-12-18T18:28:00.000-05:002011-12-18T18:28:54.415-05:00Decisions Decisions <style type="text/css">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Over
the last month or so I have been strugglinh with a decision to let my
Mother's storage space go. I had been paying for first 3, then 2,
then 1 storage locker since 2007 when she got sick. In the process
of eliminating lockers we eliminated a lot of stuff. Stuff from
Shelter Island. Stuff from her office. Stuff from her home. So
much stuff. I hope I never have that much stuff. </span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div align="LEFT" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; page-break-inside: auto; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">A
few months ago it became prohibitive for me to pay for the locker and
unable to even get into the space I stopped fretting over the
contents. I started wondering how much I had spent over the years to
keep this stuff and while there were a few things I really would have
liked to retrieve the thought of forking over $700 to spend a week
going through boxes of books to locate a few photos and old 78's was
not worth it. Over the years most of what had meaning for my mom or
myself had been removed and most of what was left was expendable. Of
course there is that word; most.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">I
have to remember that I have my memories, her few special pieces of
jewelry and what's left of these plates which I'm pretty sure were a
wedding present to my parents oh so many years ago. I think I'll put
some corn and little yellow tomatoes on them in her honor but that
will have to wait until summer.</span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-343087023947051542011-12-11T22:36:00.000-05:002011-12-18T18:29:11.888-05:00If you only shoot close ups...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehWUQAdk1lHuOqO4tULgKfx3RMPCAeyx89JhyphenhypheniMDEMLsYOOV9wa2TkMmSYE9hbs10rU8fn_NhQZC5fGUCT1as0DxWhh_XeiJsqnmQ8UAhG72IY5r2KNF373Zau116VldSSpjFguR_MkE6/s1600/2011-12-06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehWUQAdk1lHuOqO4tULgKfx3RMPCAeyx89JhyphenhypheniMDEMLsYOOV9wa2TkMmSYE9hbs10rU8fn_NhQZC5fGUCT1as0DxWhh_XeiJsqnmQ8UAhG72IY5r2KNF373Zau116VldSSpjFguR_MkE6/s320/2011-12-06.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When you begin occupying a new space all you can see is the big
picture, rooms full of boxes and the detritus of your existence. As you work to put things together you
begin to see close ups of normalcy, a corner that has come together with art
and a certain grace, or a bedroom you can actually relax in (especially if you
can't see the rest of the house).
Then you pull focus to see that there is still disarray.
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's ok. The
doorways are clear, I can walk from one room to another without tripping (as
long as some family member hasn't left something right smack in the middle of
the floor) and there is space to play and for me to lie on the floor and enjoy
my little bed of nails. Small pleasures.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-size: large;">This week Gusty was sick and so I stayed home. "Yea," I thought. We'll sit and do some art, maybe make
something out of Sculpy, I can find a new knitting project. Instead I relocated glasses, vacuumed,
emptied more boxes, went shopping, made dinner and played Cranium. It was still a good day even if I
didn't make any money or lovely little items.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-size: large;">Dinner was a simple affair.
On my walk I went to Pastosa's Ravioli where I got some extremely yummy
fresh angel hair and some surprisingly vegetarian pasta and bean soup. The angel hair was excellent topped
with pesto and chopped toasted walnuts and served with fried broccoli. Producing a meal is definite sign that
things are on an upswing. The
leftover angel hair and broccoli went to my lunch the next day, a
spaghetti omelet topped with extra sharp vermont cheddar cheese. I love spaghetti omelets. Gusty got the pasta and bean
soup.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today fresh waffles for breakfast and quinoa cakes and more
fried broccoli for dinner.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-size: large;">On Wednesday I went out with some girls. More signs of normalcy.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-57280739410883967702011-11-20T07:55:00.001-05:002011-11-20T08:11:36.892-05:00It's Hard to be a Domestic Goddess When You're Moving<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVsY9U_svtFsndYQb1n6TSdbEDnZMlSRzvaT2xaWSCiM3B7Uw6htaH8qC06bAZMi_rZb4xLomrX7MWnZZ4dO1a4mFPes99Rax1j_9drCYDDFjfJ5kG7hMxaT9od-BHEWRs6WOT1u9KTo/s1600/2011-11-20-4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVsY9U_svtFsndYQb1n6TSdbEDnZMlSRzvaT2xaWSCiM3B7Uw6htaH8qC06bAZMi_rZb4xLomrX7MWnZZ4dO1a4mFPes99Rax1j_9drCYDDFjfJ5kG7hMxaT9od-BHEWRs6WOT1u9KTo/s320/2011-11-20-4" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hate moving.<span> </span>In
the last four years we've been in three different apartments and two different
art studios.<span> </span>Our first move
occurred just before Thanksgiving 2007 and now it's Thanksgiving 2011 and we
are moving yet again.<span> </span>I guess that
makes four apartments in<span> </span>four
years if you include the one we moved out of in 2007 and the one we're moving
into now.<span> </span>All this after living in
the same apartment for 15 years.<span>
</span>We're a frustrated family.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="Body1">
<span style="font-size: large;">Last night Gusty spent the night with a friend and Denial and
spent the evening watching films noir and arguing.<span> </span>We didn't even go out for a drink.<span> </span>Now it's Sunday morning and we need to get down to the
serious business of putting our life in boxes, again.<span> </span>I guess the good part is that we're pretty good at it
now.<span> </span>Denial is "no
nonsense" packing like a machine.<span>
</span>I tend to be slower and more sentimental about it.<span> </span>Oh well.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="Body1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNjJvNVOOiyWu0E11Uq_F2RTRHr810bm9hhn1wdtPT6B2ewzKaCIx6Ce9HKgzQert1xS2W_NVKrD1ZzBOqIagkDoZIOPL8JEqoGWDAAIV8cqDDKFSHiqf9MZ99KQzlWx4-BMB2YGRhEo/s1600/2011-11-20-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNjJvNVOOiyWu0E11Uq_F2RTRHr810bm9hhn1wdtPT6B2ewzKaCIx6Ce9HKgzQert1xS2W_NVKrD1ZzBOqIagkDoZIOPL8JEqoGWDAAIV8cqDDKFSHiqf9MZ99KQzlWx4-BMB2YGRhEo/s200/2011-11-20-3.jpg" width="150" /></a></span><span style="font-size: large;">When the house is in such a state of disarray it's hard to think
about meals, knitting, writing or any creative endeavor.<span> </span>The Christmas hats are on hold.<span> </span>The maple pecan pie is on hold.<span> </span>Homemade pizza, macaroni and cheese,
quinoa cakes, coconut tofu curry all on hold.<span> </span>Heck everything is on hold.<span> </span>No two ways about it.<span>
</span>This sucks.<span> </span>Having said
that I<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">’</span>ll get on with my
day.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="Body1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MBlbTDtBIZRD-7vT2ATfY4rgHEc7c-vclBeSKE_aNXF_J0BBgf316gFwhMnzQMl-C3LBs_dtJQeWJt7M-zSIll_bJ9_b9TsZZCIlkhOOXCCiFIt1h-Jo9-WJlQTmolplKKLqicS_V4s/s1600/2011-11-20-1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MBlbTDtBIZRD-7vT2ATfY4rgHEc7c-vclBeSKE_aNXF_J0BBgf316gFwhMnzQMl-C3LBs_dtJQeWJt7M-zSIll_bJ9_b9TsZZCIlkhOOXCCiFIt1h-Jo9-WJlQTmolplKKLqicS_V4s/s200/2011-11-20-1" width="200" /></a></span><span style="font-size: large;">The good part, in two weeks this will be over.<span> </span>We'll be moved in and semi
unpacked.<span> </span>We'll have more space
although we will certainly fill it up fast.<span> </span>I'll have my own crafting corner.<span> </span>This apartment will be cleaned up to the landlord's
liking.<span> </span>Christmas will be on the
way.<span> </span>The new apartment will fill
with the smell of chocolate chip cookies and maple pecan pie.<span> </span>Until then boxes.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-25294229373127155212011-11-06T08:18:00.000-05:002011-11-06T08:20:41.916-05:00My friend David is a gem...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj8DfHKk5xpS2tz2M-N-1mMAwi2FMB5zoYxIqCLARnDj58riyTNGZ6XX0ZvhBbVOIHnBRQKaBFStPn3nPjdFGsyxVLL7kNlDaYIUEF23jFgfrxeE9Q-Kwj-g03uCVAyrFWjW1cFWxl50/s1600/Oven+fries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj8DfHKk5xpS2tz2M-N-1mMAwi2FMB5zoYxIqCLARnDj58riyTNGZ6XX0ZvhBbVOIHnBRQKaBFStPn3nPjdFGsyxVLL7kNlDaYIUEF23jFgfrxeE9Q-Kwj-g03uCVAyrFWjW1cFWxl50/s320/Oven+fries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My friend David is a gem.
He fancies me to be some kind of domestic goddess when the truth of the
matter is that I just scrape by.
"Write a blog!" he says, "You'll have lots of
followers." I remain
skeptical. Still
I try.
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
How does one go about this?</div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
I take photos of stuff, document moments when I see beauty in
the mundane, try and make dinner worthy of being photographed then forget to
photograph it. Blogging moment
missed. I am however undeterred.</div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
I ask myself questions:
How candid should I be? How
much should I praise my family and partner? How much should I kvetch about my family and partner? Is this dish, action, anecdote good
enough? How do I take photos of
myself or myself doing stuff? I
can't trust anyone else to do it consistently and well. Denial is a fantastic painter but often
his photographic prowess as far as my creations are concerned is lackluster.
How do I make interesting salads every night? Actually, how do I make salads every night interesting or
otherwise? Should I aim to
entertain, educate, or become educated myself?</div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
As I ponder this and more there are fries with garlic in the
oven and there will be Gardenburgers with cheddar cheese. Sometimes you have to just get by. I haven't been to the store for a
decent shop for ages and our pantry is suffering. We even need olive oil and garlic. This week. I
promise.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-58017276953680723112011-10-11T11:11:00.000-04:002011-11-06T08:39:49.700-05:00Macaroni and Cheese Wars<style type="text/css">
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Macaroni
and Cheese Wars</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">In
my family we all enjoy macaroni and cheese. Who doesn't? On
occasion I have made the bad mac-n-cheese, too grainy, too loose, too
dense. You are all probably aware of the pitfalls that one can
fall into striving for mac-n-cheese heaven. My grandmother, god
rest her soul, made terrible Mac-n-cheese but we thought it was
wonderful. After all it was homemade with love but... she just
wasn't a very good cook. It was baked with chunks of
cheese interspersed within it and the casserole must have weighed 10
lbs. I thought you could only get creamy Mac-n-cheese out of a
box and that was 40 years ago.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well
I grew up, started cooking and discovered that the stuff I thought
was good wasn't. From a cookbook I learned to make it by
making a cheese sauce beginning with a béchamel. This method
is risky and a pain in the ass. I don't know about you but I
want my mc to be delicious, reliable, and easy. I know that we
all have our favorites but I want to share two of mine; one baked in
a casserole, the other stirred in a pot. They are different
from one another and both are delicious, reliable and easy.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">The
first one which is Denial's favorite came from the New Your Times. I
can't take credit for either of these recipes. It is
unexpectedly made by mlixing dry noodles into a wet puree of cottage
cheese, milk, shredded cheese and spices. I always add more spices.
It all gets baked together with yummy results. Here's a link to the
recipe:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/04/dining/041wrex.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/04/dining/041wrex.html</a></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">One
nice thing you can do with this recipe is that you can add
cauliflower to this mix and bake it in the casserole. Its also
nice to top it with panko during the last 1/2 hour of baking time.</span></span><br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bmJ2epfnu-ac9_1yRz6ZTzCZ70fprE55TCCzWIV_SU2MUYLspPj3edPAviYx2Ucmkgde68JAlzPmvegoJtqwer1eOoEgmkIprGZE9YV3nVYRCtSzvHRHxCAOwBMNrs8bNkafKS81G6g/s1600/Box+mac+n+cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bmJ2epfnu-ac9_1yRz6ZTzCZ70fprE55TCCzWIV_SU2MUYLspPj3edPAviYx2Ucmkgde68JAlzPmvegoJtqwer1eOoEgmkIprGZE9YV3nVYRCtSzvHRHxCAOwBMNrs8bNkafKS81G6g/s320/Box+mac+n+cheese.jpg" width="314" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">The
second one is Gusty's favorite. Being a kid he likes boxed
mac-n-cheese. This recipe came from Good Eats on The Food
Network. It also seemed improbable, but works beautifully.
Whisk together 2 eggs, 6 oz. Evaporated milk (I must that admit
when I made this dish for the first time it was the first time I had
purchased evaporated milk since my grandfather was alive), and spices
(dry mustard, hot sauce, nutmeg, salt, pepper).</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Boil
elbow noodles until al dente. Strain. Turn off heat and
return the noodles to the pot. Pour milk and egg mixture into pot
with the noodles and stir. Here you do need to be careful not
to let the eggs in the mix cook too fast or the cheese will be
curdley. Over a low flame incorporate 10oz. of grated cheddar
cheese until it is all creamy, melty, good. Done.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">You'll
find the recipe here:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/stove-top-mac-n-cheese-recipe/index.html"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/stove-top-mac-n-cheese-recipe/index.html</span></span></a></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sit
down with a giant salad or roasted veggies and enjoy with a nice
brew. Sixpoint's The Crisp would go nicely.</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-12584445354618922752011-10-01T13:02:00.002-04:002011-10-11T11:11:57.021-04:00I Like Cocktails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Gq_zwDNgVrcKclfWa3uxYL-Evpb2JL9ZxeXwkGjn-A8dfqBB_QuFZPl3hYFfv0iSvgCV7oBJIKICsg8adAPruv_ijQy0Uvmg5ZXabol9b52ES8XD5Xi3BYvuKg9zes-1ULNra0u-Qbc/s1600/2011-07-10+16.57.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Gq_zwDNgVrcKclfWa3uxYL-Evpb2JL9ZxeXwkGjn-A8dfqBB_QuFZPl3hYFfv0iSvgCV7oBJIKICsg8adAPruv_ijQy0Uvmg5ZXabol9b52ES8XD5Xi3BYvuKg9zes-1ULNra0u-Qbc/s320/2011-07-10+16.57.41.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I like cocktails and while rarely drunk
I will have a nightly libation. While I love interesting and complex
cocktails my at home repertoire usually consists of the vodka and
juice variety. Once in a while though when my budget and energy
level allow I will make something more ambitious. The caipirinha
incredibly simple with lime sugar and cachaca. The gimlets, vodka
and gin, essentially made the same way. The martinis, vodka and gin,
garnished with a cornucopia of pickles and brined goodies. Lately my
favorite toppings are cornichons and caper berries. Then there's the
Carte Blanche. I found this recipe in an advertisement for Hendricks
gin and went shopping immediately for all the ingredients. This is
not a cocktail for every day and in fact the first time I made them I
so enjoyed them that I ventured into a third with not so pretty
consequences. Won't do that again. Make one for you and a loved
one. You won't be sorry (unless you drink too many).
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 ½ parts Hendricks gin</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
½ part fresh lime juice</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
½ part simple syrup</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
a few dashes of orange bitters (the
recipe calls for 2 healthy ones)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3 cucumber wheels (I like 4)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
brut sparkling wine (I use prosecco)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In a mixing glass muddle 2 cucumber
wheels. Add gin, syrup, lime juice, bitters and ice. Shake well and
drain into cocktail glass. Garnish with remaining cucumber wheels.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yum </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.hendricksgin.com/#/us/treasury/martinis/carte_blanche">The Hendricks Consortium</a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-3769947038494134332011-09-30T10:42:00.000-04:002011-09-30T10:42:38.623-04:00Stick to Your Own Lane<style type="text/css">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gB_gvBVhTCjpqGUK7SYgs8s5KTzlFzufFW7Z0eotNNaO6vHEYbBh9AvGLNIsWrf9UfwC5dbS_bM2Zy_WO-npbEkZ3PVKgdwF3mid_pMdrLGkMxrilnEd9WFAIXKhZ5DWDW6tSanyCjQ/s1600/2011-09-29+10.08.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gB_gvBVhTCjpqGUK7SYgs8s5KTzlFzufFW7Z0eotNNaO6vHEYbBh9AvGLNIsWrf9UfwC5dbS_bM2Zy_WO-npbEkZ3PVKgdwF3mid_pMdrLGkMxrilnEd9WFAIXKhZ5DWDW6tSanyCjQ/s400/2011-09-29+10.08.22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you've never ridden a bike over the
Brooklyn Bridge at 5:00 PM on a summer afternoon here is what you can
expect:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You will be sharing the bridge
with hundreds and possibly thousands of pedestrians, at least ½ of
which are tourists.<br />
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You will be sharing the bridge
with tens and possibly hundreds of bicycles going in both directions
and sharing a narrow bike lane on the north side of the walkway.<br />
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You will need a bell and possibly
a set of healthy lungs for the inevitable shout out.<br />
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You will need patience, a keen set
of eyes and some intuition to recognize which peds and fellow
cyclists pose a risk to you and others.<br />
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You will most likely NOT look up
much to enjoy the classic structure and phenomenal view. I try and slow down and do this more often.<br />
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yesterday on my morning commute over
the bridge I was surprised to find a smattering of workers in yellow
vests making an effort to keep people on their respective sides of
the bridge, a noble but thankless effort. You will still find the
occasional outright idiot as the following story illustrates.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On my way home after the downpour
yesterday I was enjoying a relatively uneventful ride over a relatively empty bridge. I was rounding the east tower cautiously so as not to hit some
picture taker taking a leisurely stroll across the bike lane. Then I
saw not one but two jerks on bikes in a row going too damn fast and
heading strait for me. The first one avoided me but did get to hear
my heartfelt, “You're going too fast!!” as he passed me. I told
you that a heathy set of lungs comes in handy. The second jerk on
the other hand was really heading strait for me, wearing headphones
and traveling a pretty good clip. As he approached me I yelled the
“too damn fast” mantra and braced for impact. He slammed on his
breaks and fishtailed putting his rear wheel right in my path. Bam.
It's a good thing I wasn't going fast because the whole thing could
have been much worse.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUTTkCpbr4eYcr5iAqMo-d2f9sOLuBZ86Tfam4NENt6Z93DX1WW4jIr4nfwIHChTZf9MDMX4SHtXdTYsYxs4ZNpHA5w5bdZM_ZjXPdslcW0xTpfygFVOrZSWnVcVoNlajtWRL-_rpDMs/s1600/2011-09-29+10.08.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUTTkCpbr4eYcr5iAqMo-d2f9sOLuBZ86Tfam4NENt6Z93DX1WW4jIr4nfwIHChTZf9MDMX4SHtXdTYsYxs4ZNpHA5w5bdZM_ZjXPdslcW0xTpfygFVOrZSWnVcVoNlajtWRL-_rpDMs/s320/2011-09-29+10.08.43.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This guy was of a stereotype I can't
stand; big, beefy, muscular, handsome and full of himself. I would
have hated him immediately on general principal but when the asshole
shows his stripes... let's just say I ripped him a new one while he
tried to apologize. As he blubbered, “I'm sorry” over and over
again, I let loose with a line I use on Gusty when he pees on the
seat and leaves it there, “Don't apologize, just don't do it you
shmuck!!” I leave out the “shmuck” park when speaking to my
son. I must admit I enjoyed having the opportunity to tell some jerk
exactly what I thought of him without recrimination and he gave me an
opportunity to use the word “shmuck”. For this I thank him.</div>
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I hope the tourists enjoyed the show.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-55392280729060897752011-09-29T20:02:00.000-04:002011-09-29T20:50:19.492-04:00Who Needs Limbs? Who Needs Heads?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoaNvAnXHUAdW4N5i0-KjPCTnS3ZtiFHKZDMHJcZ-STvoiMbze9BQnCwmCTJwRw0Yk6m5sGW8T85TcO01jFUaH1RnKwxbXMQUv-tEumvx4xAvWpql63CdM7NKmuCOUBT8mRo6RnSQdaw/s1600/IMG006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoaNvAnXHUAdW4N5i0-KjPCTnS3ZtiFHKZDMHJcZ-STvoiMbze9BQnCwmCTJwRw0Yk6m5sGW8T85TcO01jFUaH1RnKwxbXMQUv-tEumvx4xAvWpql63CdM7NKmuCOUBT8mRo6RnSQdaw/s320/IMG006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yesterday Gusty and I were on the subway coming home and I was talking
to him about school. I had questions about some methods the teachers
are using to boost reading comprehension. The conversation went on for
some time during which a gentleman got on and sat opposite us. A few
stops later this gentleman got up to leave the train but not without
saying to The Prince, "You are a very lucky young man. You have the
best mommy in the world. Have a great day."<br />
<br />
I will try and remember this man the next time I want to rip The Prince's limbs off.<br />
<br />
On a less pleasant note not only should I be glad that we have some art at school but I should be glad that we have a school and that our teachers are safe. The Acapulco drug wars rage on with tens of thousands dead and no end in sight. These thugs are holding what was once a major tourist destination hostage. Their latest extortion targets are the teachers. Its almost October and many schools haven't opened because the teachers are scared and they should be. They have been told to hand over 1/2 of their pay to the gangs or they will be killed. Most recently severed heads were left on the steps of a primary school. I have no idea how to help these people but knowledge is power they say. This short piece from NPR will help to illustrate the problem. I can only hope that their children will smile again as Gusty does in the photo below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/09/28/140854544/education-is-latest-casualty-in-mexicos-drug-war">Acapulco Teachers Threatened by Drug Gangs</a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_01Ewn-gbMHV_ZTQHmb_Vh03PMqWcze_Xa5Za1zXxEJhdGVD3_0I2FHHIW9FxxjKxnD3jKrFh6AA93Ip9WAQO5w50NSy-GulTE7i3Xk52gPkT0WO_S8b4CEH38SJ5K9nxbCtUHdB14Y/s1600/img606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_01Ewn-gbMHV_ZTQHmb_Vh03PMqWcze_Xa5Za1zXxEJhdGVD3_0I2FHHIW9FxxjKxnD3jKrFh6AA93Ip9WAQO5w50NSy-GulTE7i3Xk52gPkT0WO_S8b4CEH38SJ5K9nxbCtUHdB14Y/s200/img606.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-74187954222493662782011-09-28T20:51:00.000-04:002011-09-28T20:54:12.606-04:00I think I can...<a href="http://www.newyorkcapoeiracenter.com/"><br /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_GXibHNv-Vk1ZizIWHmoyzcrZ3WartoAyaCujs9WCZYnYiBYrTgu8NN0BmFQ_bAj6y0faDQZtt1OwonFd2VBHVOwON0alZ0aia_d8owdoEeXnfxkxt8qjDJqfhp0K-yA3cstuF-xfVU/s1600/2010-12-11+13.31.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_GXibHNv-Vk1ZizIWHmoyzcrZ3WartoAyaCujs9WCZYnYiBYrTgu8NN0BmFQ_bAj6y0faDQZtt1OwonFd2VBHVOwON0alZ0aia_d8owdoEeXnfxkxt8qjDJqfhp0K-yA3cstuF-xfVU/s320/2010-12-11+13.31.31.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKghJTKKb6kH7gwCE8rEPx94roa5wA2GQV-3z7Q8pmZeyYg7fJpWiNNy_s9gwFR-nrrEnsPeNObMAko0ba_kZlvH7knuTI6Ngsx2MW-QOwyCtnAp-9EuJWTSMzILpmp9F4y34a-04qfI/s1600/2010-12-11+15.13.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKghJTKKb6kH7gwCE8rEPx94roa5wA2GQV-3z7Q8pmZeyYg7fJpWiNNy_s9gwFR-nrrEnsPeNObMAko0ba_kZlvH7knuTI6Ngsx2MW-QOwyCtnAp-9EuJWTSMzILpmp9F4y34a-04qfI/s320/2010-12-11+15.13.15.jpg" width="240" /></a>Up at 6:00, shower, dress, put on makeup while sweating. It's nearly October. I should no longer endure sweating while applying makeup. Listen to utterly depressing story about Acapulco teachers being threatened by drug cartels. If the teachers don't hand over 1/2 of their pay to gangs by October 1st they will be killed. Before the story aired 5 severed heads were left in front of a primary school in Acapulco. Next. Pack lunch for The Prince, out the door by 7:10. Ride subway to 59th St. , the Bloomingdale's stop where I spent so much time with my grandmother. Walk The Prince to school for 8:00 drop off. Return to subway and take R train to Prince St. This self imposed walk from Prince to Franklin is practically all the exercise I get in a day. Work. 2:30 return to 59th Street and retrieve Prince. Take F train to 2nd Avenue and go to Whole Foods for snack and some homework before 5:00 capoeira class. 4:45 walk to capoeira. 5:30 leave capoeira and go to Saxelby at Essex Market for cheese, eggs, milk. Go to subway to return to The Prince's school for meet the teacher night. Wait for train. As soon as train arrives realize I've left my iPad at capoeira. Return to Rivington and Suffolk and climb 3 flights to retrieve iPad. Notice Denial who has come to collect The Prince and take him home so I can return to school. Hand him bag of groceries since he's not carrying anything. Return to subway and arrive at meet the teacher night 30 minutes late. Learn that because of budget cuts art will be taught as a segment in the second semester. Remind myself that we're lucky to have any art at all. Take 5 train back to Brooklyn accompanied by at The Clash and Allure magazine. Buy vodka. Go home to discover that Denial has produced penne and red sauce. Make and drink screwdriver, eat small bowl of penne, make and drink another screwdriver. Fall asleep on Denial's lap after having had discussion about the sorry state of art in NY public schools and enjoying a little Spartacus. Up at 6:00.<br />
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<a href="http://www.newyorkcapoeiracenter.com/">Link to Our Capoeira School</a> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-21417776556605307042011-09-28T20:29:00.001-04:002011-09-28T20:55:58.960-04:00Corn Chowder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvdRrkynefLR5dOH35Fy4_g4xf3vkkf4F-EMw5BBjyYSg2FPkwjDUu6RWyia0P1wao8AINAKiLHtncagFknK8itiAfrh3sNbHksOD_oK3SqW_3ZAjHHQtdbPAnlBSudc8I-Y-b4nvO_0/s1600/2011-09-28+20.17.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvdRrkynefLR5dOH35Fy4_g4xf3vkkf4F-EMw5BBjyYSg2FPkwjDUu6RWyia0P1wao8AINAKiLHtncagFknK8itiAfrh3sNbHksOD_oK3SqW_3ZAjHHQtdbPAnlBSudc8I-Y-b4nvO_0/s320/2011-09-28+20.17.07.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj494868775g4r2jne695C7FUaRblCuncNCUgMxz2nINxTvINKOYXmhFQRI75QjrhA5GZ95NkKa7bXzPAtNahZ655JGgsvzes0zU8uxm9i84GHQYOXDk8Kjm4jLcTlmKnnzUBIWWU-PI1g/s1600/2011-09-28+19.45.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj494868775g4r2jne695C7FUaRblCuncNCUgMxz2nINxTvINKOYXmhFQRI75QjrhA5GZ95NkKa7bXzPAtNahZ655JGgsvzes0zU8uxm9i84GHQYOXDk8Kjm4jLcTlmKnnzUBIWWU-PI1g/s320/2011-09-28+19.45.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday I was sitting at my desk pondering the fact that I had not enjoyed nearly enough corn this summer. This is not what I am supposed to be doing at my desk. Suddenly it hit me, "corn chowder!!". I spent the rest of my time at work trying to figure out how I was going to do all that I had to do and secure quality ingredients for my stew. I was on a mission.<br />
<br />
As much as I want tot say that I always produce healthy, fresh, nutritious meals for my family, those instances are fewer and farther between than I would like. Yesterday I happened to be wearing "killer" heels against my better judgement. Wearing "killer" heels is always against my better judgement but that doesn't stop me from wearing them. As a result my shoes and I went shopping with The Prince at Union Square after school. It was a good day at the market even though I can no longer go there without considering all the farmers not making it in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.<br />
<br />
$20 and two stops later my feet were killing me. I mean really KILLING ME.<br />
<br />
The Prince was no help when to came to carrying the 25 lbs. of groceries home so I soldiered on in my"killer" heels; the "killer" becoming more appropriate with every step. An older man on the subway actually offered me a seat. Was my pain that apparent? The Prince wanted the seat, but I held firm.<br />
<br />
Finally arriving home I removed the shoes and got down to the business of corn chowder. I shucked and removed the kernels from 6 ears of corn and used a box grater to get at the corn milk. Potatoes, poblanos, onions, celery, tomatoes, some spices and a healthy dose of dairy pulled it all together.<br />
<br />
The Prince was working on his homework and I sat dutifully updating my resume. Denial arrived about 7:00 and proclaimed that the house smelled good. Hooray!<br />
<br />
Homework, dinner, update resume (for about 15 minutes), Adventure Time With Finn and Jake, Regular Show, put The Prince to bed... suddenly the resolution I made to tackle the list of things that needed to be done that I made at work, instead of working, is looking more and more impossible. The best of intentions, the best laid plans.<br />
<br />
Knitting, TV, sleep.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.grownyc.org/">http://www.grownyc.org/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-66584577804251643302009-01-01T10:16:00.001-05:002009-01-01T10:16:50.603-05:00Isabel's hat, modeled by Tracy.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisybrain/3128568934/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/3128568934_b3ea171a5d_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisybrain/3128568934/">Isabel's hat, modeled by Tracy.</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/daisybrain/">daisybrain</a></span><br clear="all" /><p><br />At our last knitting night before Christmas we all brought projects that we had been working on or finished. These photos are a representation of what our terrific group has made.<br /><br />Isabel made this great hat. It is made with bamboo and is soft and warm. She really did a bang up job.<br /><br />Knitting at Sunny's Bar, Red Hook Brooklyn.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-80955546459854592372009-01-01T10:04:00.001-05:002009-01-01T10:04:11.480-05:00Tone's Christmas Present<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisybrain/3156405462/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/3156405462_c2c6abbea2_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisybrain/3156405462/">Tone's Christmas Present</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/daisybrain/">daisybrain</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>I made these mitts for Tone for Christmas. I want to keep them.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-85873033886505988592008-12-22T12:02:00.003-05:002008-12-22T12:02:41.244-05:00Oda's hand warmers. Modeled by August.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisybrain/3034648327/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3284/3034648327_8e68e22316_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisybrain/3034648327/">Oda's hand warmers. Modeled by August.</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/daisybrain/">daisybrain</a></span><br clear="all" /><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-43071632959765979232008-09-12T12:24:00.002-04:002008-09-29T10:29:37.497-04:00After the party - September 3, 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9UT01408R9r_qTmXtZVgzCZz9Pk1I3RHr28uXq80_TmRdWISLvA35-3xJven6U1wFb5HU403c_q4GuxaSvuNtOhzOS0ttxOGKp8X-8tHfVWX_H5gjmCHEPRh7mYIUralr9ffUscX6Lg/s1600-h/party+group+shot+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9UT01408R9r_qTmXtZVgzCZz9Pk1I3RHr28uXq80_TmRdWISLvA35-3xJven6U1wFb5HU403c_q4GuxaSvuNtOhzOS0ttxOGKp8X-8tHfVWX_H5gjmCHEPRh7mYIUralr9ffUscX6Lg/s200/party+group+shot+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245172449520352946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNR1HBB7lxMdnVkuOOjfW4sdZyByQukbgi-SdLF-a_nBmFla3lJIqR2bLAcPsz0iDeLP-4o17sXurGQ7XWpZGfX3PfChdsHgKnfXO-kiElpkLxd2wCOHNv4JP52Trii_Pptqlb77GV5s/s1600-h/Sascha+and+Milo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNR1HBB7lxMdnVkuOOjfW4sdZyByQukbgi-SdLF-a_nBmFla3lJIqR2bLAcPsz0iDeLP-4o17sXurGQ7XWpZGfX3PfChdsHgKnfXO-kiElpkLxd2wCOHNv4JP52Trii_Pptqlb77GV5s/s200/Sascha+and+Milo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245172452462047170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6aX0T_1Xi3IBG0IOxcENg-hrGmgecRY8eaNYHLION-kgjt8Npsy1nJYk_vvlWWOVFINGjJD9w8mJyrefiemYSNuDCZMV92fii0tHSetHKdHQIPjk78NbJqn7M8H24LsJ2sY-BDsHJjE/s1600-h/shark+balloon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6aX0T_1Xi3IBG0IOxcENg-hrGmgecRY8eaNYHLION-kgjt8Npsy1nJYk_vvlWWOVFINGjJD9w8mJyrefiemYSNuDCZMV92fii0tHSetHKdHQIPjk78NbJqn7M8H24LsJ2sY-BDsHJjE/s200/shark+balloon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245172456855999106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgGF85z4ML9fpjVx2xnJWpFtg7FPJQKgJRmfPsoLcTE0VU7vA_DobABATNq5fQfME1S85BOh_PyX6UsGOjwYUHUc00sY-QAVPnXt-Q8d6wb3DK19GL8svHqBoZOj9kN5UM721sqGKKhM/s1600-h/Sylvia+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgGF85z4ML9fpjVx2xnJWpFtg7FPJQKgJRmfPsoLcTE0VU7vA_DobABATNq5fQfME1S85BOh_PyX6UsGOjwYUHUc00sY-QAVPnXt-Q8d6wb3DK19GL8svHqBoZOj9kN5UM721sqGKKhM/s200/Sylvia+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245172458320574514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGe3AwGxxSxkybe9EYJ2Bsp6PK93ywcjm71W91aWAiqbcVt-JDSQfbkd4ON3f2f4qNij7IHmSYQQTEnqrWDw0y2MD5k2S1gvL9mmdD1bsK99Oy85QmLIhs4vTdWbUTlT1bR3l7MYbdHc/s1600-h/the+ball.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGe3AwGxxSxkybe9EYJ2Bsp6PK93ywcjm71W91aWAiqbcVt-JDSQfbkd4ON3f2f4qNij7IHmSYQQTEnqrWDw0y2MD5k2S1gvL9mmdD1bsK99Oy85QmLIhs4vTdWbUTlT1bR3l7MYbdHc/s200/the+ball.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245172463209268002" border="0" /></a><br />Well we have finally done it.<br /><br />The 6-year old party of the century had been concluded.<br /><br />And a good time was had by all!<br /><br />When it comes to kids parties I am of the firm belief that it isn’t a party unless the adults have a good time too. When I sent out the invitations we gave the parents the opportunity to leave their kids for a few hours or stay and enjoy the festivities. No one left. Everyone stayed with his or her kids and everyone had a good time. Maybe its because I was serving Sangria. Maybe it was because there was chili, macaroni and cheese, fresh buffalo mozzarella, cole slaw and a bunch of goodies. Maybe its because there was a balloon artiste extraordinaire. Whatever the reason everything worked out great. The kids went upstairs for most of the beginning of the party and made a lot of noise and the grown-ups had a chance to talk and catch up. Pete, my balloon guy was getting ready so I had a game planned.<br /><br />“TIME TO PLAY PASS THE BOX!! Hey kids wanna play?!” Some said yes, some said no but by the time we got started everyone was on board especially my aunt who convinced everyone she was 6. So we sat in a circle and passed a box while some music played. I think it was the Ramones. The person holding the box when the music stopped got to take off the wrapping paper. BUT WAIT!! There is more paper underneath, eight layers to be exact. Eventually, we got to the bottom of it and found the pirate ship in the super ball in the plastic packing material in the box.<br /><br />I had more games planned and more prizes that I gathered from the Scholastic store but we never got to them. Actually it is amazing what we never got to.<br /><br />I had gotten a face-painting book and planned on putting sharks on some kids faces. I went through the book and pretty much decided that I could handle this but… I forgot to paint faces. I did get to paint some at another party we were invited to the day before school started so all was not lost.<br /><br />I forgot to have the kids make erasers. There is this really cool stuff called Sculpey. It is polymer clay that changes texture when you put it in the oven. One variety of Sculpey turns into an eraser when it is baked. I figured that since it was a few days before school was scheduled to begin, erasers would be a propos. Its really cool stuff but I am going to have to save it for another party or play date activity.<br /><br />Nor did we get to decorate shark cookies as we had planned. Unfortunately with the dough production, chilling time and making all the other food the cookies just didn’t materialize. The good part though is that we did get to take them to a party at our friend’s house a few days later. That worked out well. Who can refuse a sugar cookie in the shape of a shark, T-Rex, Sabertooth, brachiosaurus, or Pteranodon?<br /><br />So if I didn’t get to any of that stuff what did we do? Well, as kids will do, we just had fun. They played dress-up, ate cake, ran around, had balloon sword fights and eventually left with their very own copy of What do Sharks Eat For Dinner? also from the Scholastic store.<br /><br />I have this thing about goody bags. Some people say, “I don’t get it, we didn’t give away goody bags when I was a kid,” but when I was a kid I do remember goody bags. I like the idea of sending kids away with souvenirs of our party and I know the kids look forward to it. What I try not to do is send the kids home with more stuff that won’t get used or be thrown away. Some of what we have done in the past is to do a craft so the kids can make something and take it away with them (eraser Sculpey anyone?). One year we had the kids use textile paints to paint on t-shirts. That worked well. This year they got books. I think people were appreciative.<br /><br />I was kind of freaked out about the party this year. It hasn’t been an easy year and the party seemed to be just another thing I had to do. I didn’t like feeling that way but as I got going I began to lighten up and enjoy the process. I ended up having fun cooking, going shopping at the Scholastic store, hanging streamers, and ordering the cake. One thing that’s terrific about Scholastic is that they publish a bunch of titles that you can buy in bulk inexpensively. That helped. Also since the store is dedicated to children the environment is good for shopping for one thing while your kid does something else. Sure you tend to leave with something you weren’t planning on but buying something cool and educational for your kid is really a joy, don’t ya think?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305637564037480182.post-21716148917478045042008-08-18T10:04:00.002-04:002008-08-18T10:31:44.433-04:00August 18, 2008 - Spreading the WordCan I help my friends feed their families better?<br /><br />As I struggle to find a direction for my blog I found myself away with a good friend who went to the market. She is a smart, educated woman with two children. I mention this because she came back with a plethora of processed foods in boxes. Stuff I have a hard time figuring out how a smart educated woman with two children would buy. I am sooooo not perfect and I know that so I helped to put the stuff away and tried, in my head, to figure out how I would parlay that stuff into food me and my son would eat. As I did that I came to the realization that there are times when I will have to give myself over to processed food. This was one of those times and I would be grateful as I was going to be fed. Besides, she also bought some of the best lobster salad I have ever had.<br /><br />So here is a run down of what was in the larder.<br /><br />I asked her to get lemonade but all they had was Newman's own. I don't like to buy that one because it has High Fructose Corn Syrup. She knew I didn't like it but didn’t know why. I resign myself to the fact that sometimes that's all there is. Instead she got Hi-C lemonade boxes. From evil to greater evil. <br /><br />Chips Ahoy refrigerated cookie dough with colored mini chips (I couldn't even count all the ingredients)<br />Shake N Bake<br />Pringles<br />Sugar free (i.e. Artificially sweetened) popsicles. Since she has a diabetic condition I guess I can understand that one.<br />Orville Redenbacher butter flavored microwave popcorn<br />A case of bottled water<br />Lay's salt and vinegar Stax<br />Aunt Jamima pancake syrup (corn syrup with a HFCS chaser and a dash of caramel coloring)<br />Eggo Cinnamon toast frozen waffles<br />Bagel Bites<br />Bagged romaine lettuce form California (we are in farm country)<br /><br />I’m no journalist. I get my information from what I think and hope are informed sources; Michael Pollan, Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, Babrara Kingsolver, the film King Corn, the Park Slope Food Coop’s Linewaiter’s Gazette, Gourmet magazine, Vegetarian Times, NPR shows like Leonard Lopate and Radio Lab. I mostly trust these sources. I do not trust the food industry and government agencies that would argue that irradiation is the answer to e-coli in our food rather than looking at the production of the food itself.<br /><br />I, as do many of the people I know believe the food system in this country is broken and do our part when we can to be active in small ways; buying local when possible, cutting down on packaging, eliminating plastic bags from our lives.<br /><br />Now I know I could be doing more to save food and out planet like…<br />Not buying all those yummy things from Trader Joe’s that come in frozen trucks or train cars from places far away.<br />Not buying cheese from the Cowgirl Creamery and going without Parmigiano Reggiano. <br /><br />For now I will stick with trying to eliminate HCFS from our diets, buying local when possible and not buying anything with ingredients I can’t pronounce.<br /><br />You get the picture. I’m not perfect and will never be but what I am trying to do more and more is feed my family food. Real food. I got so much joy making my partner’s birthday dinner and really it wasn’t hard. The whole experience from the shopping to the preparation made me happy. I just have to be more focused on doing that more.<br /><br />As I was writing this I was wondering if artichokes could be grown in the Northeast and found that there are people doing just that. Why? Because I wanted to know whether or not I could buy them and still reduce my carbon footprint. It does seem as though there are people trying to cultivate artichokes in this region but not on a large scale. I am including a link for a blog entry that addresses just this. <br /><br />http://ourfriendben.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/red-corn-and-purple-artichokes/<br /><br />When I replayed my few days away, I realized that we actually ate very little of that processed stuff and a good time was had by all. When I go back I am going to plan a few menu items and treat my friends.<br /><br />School will be starting in two weeks. Now I can start planning lunches and figuring out how to make lunch at my son's public school a more enjoyable experience.<br /><br />Thanks for listening.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03660725563779121964noreply@blogger.com0