Food and Love

They go hand in hand.

Or maybe hand in mouth.

Here is a list of some of the best food and love moments Hollywood has to offer to us, according to Avenue Magazine.

I personally just love movies ABOUT food.. not movies about love that have food in them.

The Age of Innocence

Say what you will about 19th-century New York socialites, but you can’t deny they knew how to throw a dinner party. The movie adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1921 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (directed by Martin Scorsese) features food porn for fuss-budgety types, with lavish displays of historically accurate cuisine. To properly re-create a scene from this film will require an abundance of silver serving dishes, servants and overall opulence — the likes of which you’ll only see at the Fairmont Palliser, Calgary's grand dame of hotels.

Meal: Chilled seafood plate (king crab legs, chilled oysters, marinated prawns, sea scallops, mussels, clams with Marie rose sauce and shallot mignonette) in the Oak Room. (133 9 Ave. S.W., 403-262-1234, fairmont.com/palliser)

Click here to see the scene.

Bridges of Madison County

It’s the age-old story of the middle-aged farmer’s wife (Meryl Streep) and the globetrotting photographer (Clint Eastwood) hooking up for four days while her husband is away at the Illinois State Fair. The food in the movie is simple and plain — think scrambled eggs and toast — and if that’s how you plan to wow your love, then you’re pretty lame. Including the film for its food is a bit of a stretch but I think Bridges is a great love story and they do eat, after all, so you can take your cues from the breakfast they share after they consummate their affair and look for the best eggs you can find.

Meal: Margarita omelette with confit tomatoes, feta and basil at Red’s Diner. (1415 4 St. S.W., 403-266-3448, redsdiner.com)

Click here to see the scene.

Casablanca

This 1942 classic is considered to be one of the most romantic films of all time, and while it’s not a gastronomic classic, they drink tons of Champagne and other tipples, making it well worthy of emulation for romantic purposes. Veuve Cliquot makes an appearance in the movie but it’s Mumm Cordon Rouge that Rick and Ilsa tipple throughout their Paris love affair. Bonus points for also featuring burbon, brandy, Cointreau and French 75 cocktails, made with gin, Champagne, lemon juice and sugar.

Drink: French 75 at Blink Restaurant. (111 8 Ave. S.W., 403-263-5330, blink-calgary.com)

Click here to see the scene.

Chocolat

Based on the novel of the same name by Joanne Harris, this film features chocolate, Johnny Depp and France. Say no more, non? On top of that, there’s comedy, sensuality and dynamic characters that make this quirky, unpredictable story both charming and touching. Despite the cliché that is chocolate and romance, this movie isn’t.

Shop: Coppeneur Chocolatier. (105 8 Ave. S.W., 403-457-4210, coppeneurchocolate.com)

Click here to see the scene.

Lady and the Tramp

Perhaps the most iconic film image of two lovers sharing a meal is actually one of animated dogs. After Tramp, a stray mutt from the wrong side of the tracks, rescues Lady, an uptown cocker spaniel, the two share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs and a night of romance ensues. Just please, please, don’t actually share a piece of pasta in public. Just because it’s cute for dogs doesn’t mean it’s cute for you.

Meal: Meatballs (frozen) and store-made tomato sauce from the Italian Supermarket. (265 20 Ave. N.E., 403-277-7898, italiansupermarket.com/)   

Click here to see the scene.

9 1/2 Weeks

This steamy, sexy drama might not be for everyone, but in the realm of erotic food scenes, it is unequalled in mainstream movies. (By mainstream I mean not porn.) John (Mickey Rourke) spoon-feeds a blindfolded Elizabeth (Kim Basinger) a random assortment of whatever’s edible in the fridge and pantry, including fruit, pasta, Jello, milk, cough syrup, honey and whatnot. As for how to mimic the moment ingredients-wise, anything in your fridge or cupboards will do.

Click here to see the scene.

Waitress

I know, I thought the same thing before I saw the movie. Keri Russell? Felicity? There’s no way this movie can be good. But the pie! The movie is about a small-town waitress who’s married to a big jerk so she makes up for her miserable life by baking the most magnificent pies. There’s a plot that involves an unplanned pregnancy and a handsome doctor and the usual sap, but if you can look beyond that and focus on the pie then you’re in for a treat.

Pie: Lemon meringue pie from Pascal's Patisserie. (101, 5240 1A St. N.E., 403-968-6158, pascals.ca. Check website for availability.)

Click here to see the scene.

When Harry Met Sally

Meg Ryan’s fake orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally may be one of the most recognizable scenes in movie history, but what about that pastrami sandwich of Harry’s? The scene takes place in Katz’s Delicatessen, a real deli in Manhattan that specializes in pastrami, corned beef and hot dogs. Fortunately, Calgary has its own deli specializing in smoked meat so we can all have “whatever she’s having.”

Meal: Traditional Montreal smoked meat sandwich at Myhre’s Deli. (1411 11 St. S.W., 403-244-6602, myhresdeli.ca)

Click here to see the scene.

Cupid, Draw Back Your Bow

Which one are you? Which one would you like? As much as I look at this... I think I am still just an old fashioned girl.


Image borrowed from the lovely Lenorenevermore

Jumping on the V-Train

I had plans for Valentine's Day. That's right, I HAD plans. One of my besties and I were going to get together and do girl things/ Eat Thai, watch Eat Pray Love, dream about vacations, maybe go ice skating and paint some pottery. We were going to giggle, get dressed up for ourselves and there would be absolutely NO BOYS.

I mean seriously, the other 364 (wait it's a leap year, does that make it 365 again?) days are pretty much devoted to boys but not Valentines. Nope.

So I got a text yesterday. My bestie has a boy in her life that is HEAD OVER HEELS in love with her. He didn't really hear her when she said "I'm hanging out with my bestie on V-Day so we'll do something another day". So apparently he went out and planned amazing things to surprise her and well... long story short, I told my bestie to go. I would fend for myself.

I was a little disappointed, I was looking forward to our day. But it's OK. I get it for sure. I'm seeing her instead on Wednesday.

So now I'm going to have a traditional Valentines Day of hanging out with the boy I like, go to a movie and all that stuff. No expectations.

I also made myself tuna for lunch and cut each sandwich out to look like little stars.

I love me so much. Happy Valentines Day Me!

Risk Taking

Think back a year ago, remember where you were? What you were doing? Who you were doing (for us un-married folk)? and why?

Now think a little harder, did you expect a year ago today for you to be where you are now?

Hopefully the answer is either an energetic no and reflection of how life had changed and served you well.

Or a grateful yes filled with self appreciation for achieving those goals you only dreamt about last year.

I love people who take risks, big risks. They always seem to come out the other end alright. I'm always so impressed. I am inspired because though I stand at the edge and look at the risks to be taken, I have a hard time jumping on my own. I have to stand there for a while and coax myself to jump. When I do, I am usually glad, but it takes some time and some though.

I am inspired again by this woman and her post about her last year and how she never thought she would be where she is now.

I hope it bring you a little self insight and inspiration as it has for me.

Inspiration: a best feeling.

xxoo

Easy Sugar Cookies

Here is a simple sugar cookie recipe to impress your loved ones with on Valentine’s Day. It’s a perfect canvas for decorating on any given holiday.

Basic Sugar Cookies

½ cups Softened Butter

¾ cups Sugar

1 Egg

1 teaspoon Vanilla

1-½ cup Flour

½ teaspoons Baking Powder

¼ teaspoons Salt

• Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.
• Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl.
• In a separate bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in an egg and then vanilla. On a low speed, slowly mix the dry ingredients into wet ingredients until everything is incorporated.
• Equally divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until it is firm enough to work with.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about a ¼-inch thickness and cut out shapes as desired. Place the cookies onto parchment paper or a lightly greased baking tray.
• Bake for 6-8 minutes, watching closely until the cookies appear to almost turn golden around the edges. I also check the bottoms to see when mine are done as the top might still be very light but if the bottoms are a light golden brown they are done! Let cool completely before frosting.

I like my cookies simple but if you’re in the mood to get more festive, cut out the cookies with a heart-shaped cookie cutter instead of a round one. You can also top it with the icing recipe below.

ICING

1 cup Powdered Sugar

2 teaspoons Milk, Up To Double The Amount, As Needed

2 teaspoons Light Corn Syrup

¼ teaspoons Vanilla

4 drops Red Food Coloring, If Desired

• In a small bowl, combine the sugar and milk until smooth. Mix in the corn syrup and vanilla until smooth and glossy. If it is too thick, add the milk in 1/2 teaspoon increments.
• Add drops of food coloring to each bowl to reach your desired intensity of color. Spread over completely cooled cookies (Top with heart-shaped sprinkles, if desired). Let it sit until the icing is hardened, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Vinegar Hill House: Brooklyn

I know I have said this before but the most important things to me when I travel are experiencing the following:

-Food

-Local Culture

-Nature

I like to learn. I like to eat. I like to experience the place that I am visiting as I would if I lived there.

The intention is still to go to New York so adding to my list of places to eat is:

Vinegar Hill House in Brooklyn

Yummy... looks good doesn't it?

Also, check out this website as a go to place to find your next spot to nosh at while staying in NYC. omnomnomnom...

photo credit

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest

There are some things in my life that have taken on the presence of a hornets nest.

Sometimes, when I see a hornets nest and I wonder to myself, should I kick it?

It isn't bothering me.

It doesn't even notice me anymore, that's what I want... right?

Do I really want to deal with the circumstances if I do engage it in anyway?

hmm...

hmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Leave it alone, B. Leave it alone.

 

But sometimes the hornets nest might actually be a bee hive full of honey.

I like honey.

Proposing with Pizza

If you were planning on popping the big question in less than a week on Valentine’s Day, Pizza Hut hopes you’ll turn to them after your significant other says yes for the fanciest engagement party Pizza Hut can provide. For just $10,010, the package comes with all the accoutrement's of an engagement party, including a ruby engagement ring, plus you can look back in fifty years and tell your children about the time Pizza Hut threw you an engagement party.

Along with the ruby engagement ring, Pizza Hut will provide limo service, a fireworks show, flowers, a photographer, a videographer, and a $10 Pizza Hut dinner box. The dinner box includes a medium one-topping rectangular pan pizza, five bread sticks with marinara sauce, and ten cinnamon sticks with a sweet icing cup. On top of the obviously posh engagement party, if the significant other accepts the proposal despite it being a Pizza Hut proposal, Pizza Hut is saying there is a chance to win a wedding at Pizza Hut headquarters. Pizza Hut-themed, of course.

Driving a hard bargain, Pizza Hut has only made 10 of these packages available, and they’re only available until Valentine’s Day of this year. However, there’s a disclaimer saying if the package has not been used by March 31, 2012, Pizza Hut will refund the total cost. Sorry, polygamists, there is only one package allowed per person.

Head on over to Pizza Hut’s deals page to check it out.

OH! and this one is only valid in the US

(Pizza Hut via Eater)

Squrriel

Friday night I went to Kananaskis with my BFF and the wedding party. We stayed at the lodge and basically played the day away well into the night. There was food, drinks and laughs. I laid on the floor for a good 3 hours in total with a belly so full I thought I was going to bust.

And then we needed candy. So we went to the store in the lobby of the lodge. A delicious tourist trap of sorts I was delighted by the tacky collection of... well... crap.

Wine glass in one hand and over priced crap in the other I enjoyed my saunter through the aisles. I bought $40 worth of candy and a Dino coin holder for SL with his name on the front. Drunk shopping at its finest.

a few hours later, my BFF and I decided to go to the games room and play ping pong. While there we came across $4.25 worth of change in the machines. Delighted we giggled in our new found riches and ran up to the tacky little shop in the lobby. I had seen the little fur animals the last time I was there but I was too distracted by "sam-a-sorus" to even consider buying one. I mean, I wasn't going to use my own money on that.

LB and I spent about 20 minutes going over each animal, looking at the price and doing simple math in our heads. We split the $4.25 so we each basically had $2.00 each to spend. LB picked Duck and Cow (both of which were $0.98) and I picked squirrel, who was $1.98

Meet Squirrel:

awwww.. it's so FLUFFY!!!

with in seconds of taking the picture above, something horrible happened. I patted Squirrel on the head and...

his nose fell off! :(

I was so sad.

So I tried to mend poor squirrel...

 Squirrel didn't like that because he could no longer see his nuts.

Relationships

This is something that my friend ZT believes in. It makes me laugh.

Designer Pancakes

I've been busy, too busy to blog but not to busy to quickly post about pancakes. It's Valentines Day... the weeks ahead of us are filled with things of red and pink, things of hearts, sugar and sappy sweet notes. If you have a special someone, make them breakfast in bed. What better way to make that even more special then by making designer pancakes?

Just saying...

Please often complain that they don't have anyone on Valentines Day and yes, it kind of sucks. However, most people should have someone they care about regardless of relationship status. So shower those people with a little love. Maybe it's Mum, or Dad, or your dog and cat.

I do to others what I wish one day someone will do for me. Of course, everyday is Valentines Day but I don't really care. It's nice to shower someone with love whether it be V-Day or not. Do it.

Cup of Jo's: NYC Guide

I will not be driving in New York City

When I think of going to New York I think of needing to ask someone I trust about what is best. There are FAR too many options so a few years ago when I talked to Joanna about going there (I was intending to rent her apartment for a few weeks) I knew that this was the place I needed to come to get information.

She doesn't disappoint, here are some good articles that I think I'll keep bookmarked:

Where to Eat

Where to Drink

Some of What to Do

Where to Sleep

I'm sure there will be more but I thought I would add these for now. Good places to start.

Ideally, I think I am leaning to renting an apartment for the majority of the time. How much time do we plan to be in the room anyway? Just to sleep... and maybe to eat a little...

Hotel on Rivington

CO-OP food and Drink in Hotel Rivington

The plan right now is to go to New York in April.

I have started my quest to find accomidations, I'm excited. I found Hotel on Rivington which reminds me of one of the places I stayed in LA.

Looking for Words

Yesterday my BFF got married and I am lost for words. I haven't been able to really share my thoughts with her, how I happy I am to see her this fulfilled. I just have a warmth in my heart and happy tears in my eyes. It's simple. But that's just how we are, nothing has ever been that complicated between us so why should this?

Over the last year, as I have re posted before, I have written a few posts about this love and her journey to getting to this point.

LB has been in my life since 1997, as the sister of my high school sweetheart we became close by default. Then when things started to change and I entered adulthood, Laura stayed by my side. Through all of it. Evey broken heart, panic attack, concert and upset tummy. She was my emotional support when I didn't trust anyone else in my life. She supported me through everything and called me out when I needed to be.

And now she has the love of her person by her side. A new family, a new role and her own new life.

Watching her through the events of the day I could finally see how complete this had made her.

I've always said that she is more than a friend to me, she is a sister by choice.

I have so much heart where LB and C are concerned though I've always been some what vauge and criptic about it. Out of respcet for thier privacy. There stories aren't really mine to tell, but I can share how they've change and inspired my life.

Here is a part of that journey:

Truths

My Best Friends Happiness

Inspiring Love

and I'm sure there will be more as I am countinually touched in my life by her and her own "forever family"

Meatball Craving

I went to Jersey at the end of December and was introduced to a whole new version of Italian. It was amazing. And for the first time in my life, I had meatballs and it changed my life.

I can't stop thinking about them. I want meatballs all the time. I just had them on Monday of last week and that didn't fix a thing. I want more. I want meatballs all the time. I also want Risotto balls from Borgo.

I came across this today:

Angie’s Meatballs

Yield: 12 Meatballs

Tomato Pasta Sauce
4 oz ground beef
4 oz ground pork
1/4  cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2.5 tbsp minced onion
2 tbsp milk
1 egg
1 clove minced garlic
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Preparation:

Heat sauce over medium-high heat.

Combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, cheese, onion, milk, egg, garlic and pepper. Shape into 12, 1-inch meatballs. Cook in skillet over medium heat until brown on all sides. Move to oven and cook at 350 degrees for 10 minutes until cooked throughout. Serve over pasta with a generous portion of Pasta Sauce (or as my relatives call it-- gravy).

WANT!!!

some one help me please... this is out of control.

Remember the Light

Sometimes finding the light switch is the hardest part, epically in the dark. But keep trying, keep feeling around. In time you will find it as long as you keep looking.

Friends will try to help you, but often they don't always know where it is either. But they will help you look. If they are good friends.

and if you want the help.

Fact.

Floating Lantern Festival

Loy Kratong Floating Lantern in Chiang Mai - Thailand

I would love to see this. Or create it myself.

beautiful... and a little scary. But mostly beautiful.

November 28th,  2012

This Much

How cute is this card idea?? Very cute and SUPER easy!

Turn Me Off

There are simple little things a man can do when I am first getting to know him that will turn me off. Though, most of these are not deal breakers... they are however strikes against the boy. 

1) texting on a first date or any date:

This stands for friends, lovers, mothers, fathers and boyfriends. You are with me, and I am with you. Don't text. It can wait. If it can't wait, just excuse yourself. "Excuse me, I need to just touch base with so and so.." or "Oh, bla-bla-bla just texted me... I'm just going to see if everything is OK and let them know that I'll talk to them later." AND further more... turn that text message notification off. Please. Thanks. xxoo

2) artful text messaging:

While we are on the subject of text messaging, I have to also say... I judge you if you write in short hand. Anyone who writes to me with "ur" instead of "your/you're/etc" or even the an "lol"... I judge you. Most of you. 95% of all written communication should be done properly. It looks gross and sloppy if you can't use basic English and punctuation in your messages. I'm in my 30's and anyone else in or around my age should write well. I'm not a perfect writer, by any means... but I try my best to be articulate. Maybe I'm a bit of a prep but it looks bad if you can't write. and even worse if you choose not to write properly. Also... don't leave a girl hanging. Let her know you are busy if you can't text back within 12 hours. ALSO-- you can call me too. I am timid to call when first getting to know a person so I'll text to make sure it's OK for me to call before I call.

3) talking about past relationships:

It's important to know what a persons past is. But you don't need to dump it on your date within in the first few hours of meeting them.  Ease into it. Ideally... I like to move slowly when it comes to opening up, like a blossom. I will start dropping some of my secrets after the 3rd date, if things are going well. I have had a past as many healthy people have when they hit their 30's. I have good things and not so good things... I have learnt a lot and I like to share. But in time... but not too long. I should know the bases of who you are and what you've been through within the first 3 or 4 months of being together. And you should know the same.

4) manners:

I like a man who treats me like a lady. Wait for me to get in the door when you drop me off (this is almost a deal breaker for me), make sure you take me to my door-- don't just leave me as you jump into a cab after the date is done and expect me to want to go out with you again, help me with my coat, don't ask-- just do. Be confident in your manhood. I am a soft but strong woman. I will pay but I like it when a man won't let me. I'll carry my bags but I've always been impressed when the man I'm with just takes them. I won't fight you on it... I just never think to expect that someone else will look after me. But when they do, I like it. I in turn will look after you as well. It's just nice to be treated like a woman just as you like to be treated like a man. I shouldn't have to say this either but Please, Thank You, You're Welcome are all things that should be a given. Also, let me take your arm when we walk. I like to feel close to you.

5) don't get drunk:
on our first date, I don't want to see you sloppy with your alcohol. 2 glasses of wine TOPS if we are out for dinner. No shots. Unless I've known you well before our first date... then these rules relax a little. And smoking is gross.

That's about it... I think. When I go out with a boy, the first date I look for the following:

What does he do when the bill comes.
(I will always offer to pay on a first date and plan to pay but really.. I don't want to be taken up on it)

What does he do after the bill is paid and we leave.
(does he help me with my coat, does he hold the door)

Does he take me to door and then wait for me to get in.

and that's about it. You may think it's silly and old fashion but what I'm looking for is a guy who is thinking of me. There are other things that can be done to express this "thinking of you" vibe. I obviously don't want to date a guy who is purely invested in themselves and their experience. I am not one of those kinds of people so why would I want to date one?

What about you? Do you have little tricks or things that you look for? Turn offs and turn ons? This is all part of formal dating... sometimes when I meet someone just out of the blue, none of this stuff matters... but it doesn't hurt to look for it. Right?

Fall In Love Again

This summer, I fell in love again. With myself.

I was talking to a friend a few weeks ago about how I courted myself during my pensive days of summer. Monday was date night, the rest of the nights were devoted to others. I couldn't remember what I had called it... Mono-Monday's? My Monday? ... errrr... I couldn't remember.

and then I saw it..

Onesie Monday and I found this post. I remember that day. It was a good day. Since then, I don't have a second though about doing anything on my own. Expect maybe travel. People seem to be telling me to be careful.

An old friend said this to me:

"I love your hunger for life but agree with your mom. No big time travels for you on your own! You're too little on the outside even if you're big on the inside..."

and I wrinkled up my nose like a 5 year old in stubborn rebellion.

 

We'll see.. I can do it. I make up my own rules (no offence JS, if you read this!).

 

I didn't mean to get into this. I just wanted to remind myself of that post about Onesie Monday and how much fun I had courting myself in the summer. it's like the final part of that relationship should be a romantic vacation for onesie. Oui?

The World As Seen By Einstein

I am searching for a place to start. In doing so, I came across an essay I read many many years ago penned by Einstein.

The World As I See It by Albert Einstein

It really has nothing to do with what I was searching for but that's OK.. I still wanted to share it with you.

Happy Day!

Adventure

Last night over spaghetti and meat balls, I talked about travel . I can talk about life, love, travel and food till the cows come how and dinner is ready to be cleared. I feel rather sad for Mr.SL who just had to listen. I decided yesterday that I need to take a trip on my own. I have decided this a few times and I kind of toy with the idea in my mind but really.. it feels like my life if just waiting for me to do this.

I need this.

I am looking for my sign, on where to go. My heart keeps saying Italy and my mum keeps saying no. It's not safe. I think it is. It is, isn't it? For a solo woman to travel...? It's safe? Right?

I want a place where there are no safety nets. I want a place that is going to challenge me but not completely freak me out. I just want to go. I want to go, experience and come back. This has to be done. I just need to buy a ticket and go.

There is far to much in this world to see, I need to start chipping away at it now. I can't wait for people... I can't wait for anyone. I have the means now to do it. I need to do something.

Then I saw this post on my favorite blog:

Italy Tips and I wonder if this is my sign?

I'm not sure what kind of questions I need to ask myself. Maybe I have to ask myself "what it is that I want to see?" "What is it that I want to experience?"...

Where do you think a good place would be for a solo female traveler to go?

Strawberry Jam Came Home

last night I brought my baby home. I call her Strawberry Jam. She's an Art & Lutherie and she's a spruce Burgundy with built in electronics. I didn't buy her myself. She's a collection of effort and love from some of the most important people in my life.

My parents, my sister, two of my BFF's Laura and Reena and Mr. SL.

This guitar makes my heart sing, just like they do. What could be more special then that?

It's been a year long trek. A year of woes, joys and other such adventures. I always turned back to my guitar though and so it was time to buy one for real. She's big, but I can handle her. She's rich and soulful.

She's a ginger too.

Welcome to the family, Strawberry Jam-- big red.

Expect

Fact.

Waking Up

Today I woke up at 5 a.m.

It's just what I do in the winter. I wake up and lay in bed until something opens, something happens or daylight breaks. Usually if I'm bed alone I play games or try to nap, if I'm lucky I might fall back asleep. That's if I'm lucky or really tired... Usually by that point though my mind has started humming and there isn't any way to turn it off.

I often look at my window. The curtains are drawn and only a crack of downtown light shines through and I am thankful I bought those blackout curtains. I am often reminded of one Saturday in June when I looked at my window, completely intertwined in missing heartbreak. I've almost forgotten what that felt like in my body, I just knew it was awful.

I also remember one Sunday in July when I woke-up and just wanted to run. So I did. And I ran almost everyday till my body had enough. That was a good day.

My iPhone is an amazing thing. I love it. It makes staying in bed that much easier because I can do so much from it. I watch a lot of YouTube. One of my favorite things is sharing that with someone else. Memories of Saturday Morning cartoons are instantly brought foreground. Old songs, funny videos... I love it.

***

Dawn has broke and the grocery store is now open. I suppose I should get out of bed now and get my day started.

Have a lovely morning.

Posts from my phone

Writing

photo borrowed from here

My blog is a place I put my head. I put the words, thoughts, ideas and feelings that swim around in my mind. I put them all to see. Granted it's maybe about 15% of what actually goes through my head and then lots of stuff I like and want, but it's me. In a nut shell.

This blog has no really theme or rhythm other then it being about me. Or from me.

I suppose if you are a religious reader you might know me a bit better by the flow of things. You can tell when I'm happy or when I'm sad, when I'm distracted or angry. You can tell when something is bothering me and when it's not. You might be able to tell when I've had my heart broken or when I'm in the flowering stages of love or when I'm in the process of shifting my reality. You may know the challenges I have seen and watched me over come them, you may have also watched me make massive mistakes and shook your head when you finally saw the post where I suddenly get it.

Or you may just read through, hoping I'll write something of substance.

It's just me talking to myself... that's really all this is. I don't share it all, and that I do share is sometimes written on code but I like it. It's therapeutic.. it's like journaling. For me.

When I am bored, I love to sift through my posts. I enjoy reading what I was doing on this day last year. Last year, on this day I was in love with my grapefruit knife. What you also don't really know is my life was at that pivotal point of change. Where I was getting ready to let go of something that wasn't working for me and about to meet and jump into the arms of something that would. For a few months at least.

I look back to who that woman was last year and I want to hug her and tell her that she will get strong and she will be proud of herself. I also want to tell her to be a little more fearless... that people you think you might chase away are going to go away regardless of who you are. And the ones that are meant to be around, will stick around. It's nothing personal, really.

and also, try not to worry about Folk Fest... that will blow over. Hopefully. I'm still kind of waiting for that to blow over. Sometimes you just want someone to like you so much because they mean so much to someone in your life but they just don't like you... and the more you try the more you think you are misunderstood and the worse you make it.

Accept that you can't make everyone happy but the people you can't make happy may make other people happy who in turn make you happy. It will work out, it will... it has too... things always do.

and be thankful for the people in your life that do get you... be thankful for your fiend with boundaries, ZT. He was the saving grace that weekend.. WOOOOHOOOO Unicorn Man!!

anyway, it's the end of the day and I've been eating too much sugar and I had a little caffeine so... a glass of wine is in order.

I'm in some kind of weird emotional limbo that is best not to bestow onto anyone... expect those I really love. Haha...

have a lovely weekend... you are loved.

xxoo

At Last

That's where it begins and ends for me and these songs were the ones that touched me the deepest. It was like I was laying hold of some part of me that I didn't even know was there until I let it out.

- Etta James

January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012

**

At Last--

it's time for you to rest that beautiful, soulful voice.

Thank you for singing the blues when I wasn't able to find the words.


**

Missing

What is it about the missing that makes you wonder, that makes you think. That changes the way things look taste and feel.

What is it about the missing that pulls on my heart, makes me aware of my soul and also causes tingling in my hands.

What is it about the missing that makes cities of millions seem lonesome and empty.

What is it about the missing that makes it feel like years when I only just saw the person the other day?

Is this normal? Is this healthy? I always have trouble knowing what to do with myself when I have to deal with this feeling.

It's not just reserved for lovers either but it's reserved for those who I hold so close to my heart. I ask myself if I have a dependency on the person. I don't, I just like being around them. I can be without but why when I don't need to be.

Missing... it's like a bitter sweet long song that I can't get out of my head. It makes me so happy because of it's beauty but it's so sad because I can't satisfy my craving.

Found a place where I can be
All the things I want you to see
Take my hand into your hands
'Cause I come to you from another land

And I don't need to know your favourite artist's name
And I don't need to know what woman's felt the same
And I don't need to see you every single day
But I'd like to

Break my heart back into place
'Cause I've come to understand you more lately
And I've found a man inside your chest
Some will tear him up and I'll lay him some rest
Rest

And I don't need to know the details of your past
And I don't need to know when you thought of me last
And I would have to say if I'm the sail then you're the mast
And we've caught a good wind, the mast

Because you know me more than any before
'Cause you found the clues between me and you

The Mast-- Feist

Egg-stra Special Messages

How fantastic is this little idea?

I have images of hollowed out eggs with special little messages dancing through my head.

This also reminded me of this post from Oh Happy Day! that I ADORE! Favorite creative blog EVER!

hint:

 to properly blow out an egg you need two holes. try to break the yolk with a toothpick and then put your lips of the top of the egg and blow. You should remove most of the gunk from the inside. Rinse, dry and then use.

Three Simple Things

Grow with me.

Respect me.

love me.

that is all I ask.

xxoo

Strawberry Jam

I'm almost ready to take her home. I picked her out tonight, she's deep strawberry like me.

At first I called her Butter Chicken because she is rich and buttery. But then I realized that Strawberry Jam is a much better name for her.

She's smooth on my fingers, she hums so beautifully. I am reminded of Tabatha, a stringy woman who I spent a fair bit of time with at the start of last year.

I love her so much, I can't wait to bring her home!

Australia

I entered a contest and could only write a short little thing about why I deserved to go to Australia. I wrote from my heart, I wrote with passion. I only had 250 characters to use (not sure if that included spaces)

so I wrote this:

Take me away to Australia! Adventure is pulsing through my veins. I want to smell the rainforest, I want to taste the food, I want to see the Great Barrier Reef, I want to learn-- I want to experience it all!

I want to feel Australia in my heart.

It's my best and it came from my heart. Wish me luck, I'd love to go to OZ!!

The Calm

It's the day after my birthday, or rather... the day after the day after my birthday. I feel pretty good about that. Apparently it is also Blue Monday but I'm never effected by it. I had more of a Blue December... frig. That was an uncomfortable month for me. I'm glad that it's all over for another year.

Now, it's time to focus on my BFF's wedding. She is getting married February 2nd 2012, that's soon. Very soon.

I was listening to the radio this morning as I was getting ready, they were talking about marriage and divorce. I am scared of divorce, I never want to have one. Ever. I can have these relationships and screw-up and choose the wrong people or be the wrong person and all of it doesn't matter as much as if I had married any of those boys from my past. Yes, hearts get broken, but... those will mend. Mine has mended many times. I know better now what works for me and just what I am capable of. That's experience that I can't buy. I can't read about. It's learned.

It's nice not to have the pressure now of Christmas, New Years and my birthday. Chrismas was the worst, for the first time i looked at it with sober eyes. I was taken back by the amount of expectations, pressure, anxiety and money. It disgusted me... I've never really been that bitter over something so "joyous"

and Winter has finally come. It's bitter cold outside but we've made it most of the winter with decent weather. I'm not complaining, just marveling at how long it took for things to get cold.

Life feels good right now. Calm. Easy. I like that. Happy Blue Monday everyone!!

xxoo

How to be Interesting

I wrote a post a few years ago when I started to realise that it was more important to be interesting then to be pretty. That the value of the relationships that revolved around being interesting and involved were much more satisfying then those that revolved around being attractive.

I am now officially 32 years old. I am pretty comfortable in my skin and more importantly, I am excited for life. I have a few armfuls of experience under my belt and I feel like I'm just getting started. I don't watch TV at all anymore, I"m not really sure why I did before. I don't even really watch movies.

I cook. I play guitar. I create. I go on adventures and I spend time with friends. I also think, I spent time thinking and figuring.

I came across this article from Forbes about How To Be More Interesting, I think it's great. What do you think?

My mission statement this year is Adventure and Fearlessness. At least it is for now, so lets get her done and become a little more interesting.

Some Days

Revisiting Truths

It was 6:00AM when I got the call that prompted me to write this post a few days later. Since then, life has changed faster then the tides. Nothing looks how it once did, nothing feels like it once did and I am grateful for the freedom from my ruts.

Yes, some of the growth has been awkward as the boundaries have been challenged. Getting to know newness that is disguised as familiar is never an easy task. But i am still grateful. As we result, I have indeed been on my own path of self discovery. I have stopped and questioned my intentions. I have re-evaluated my relationships. I have asked myself what is important and what isn't.

and I have answered many of these questions.

I plan to do more great things with this next year of my life. I have a list I haven't posted yet about what my intentions are. It feels small to me but a friend of mine said it was many things. We will see.

Cheers to great things!

Food Blogs

When the pressure of work gets a little lighter, I look at food blogs. I do.. I sit here and I drool and dream about all the wonderful things I could create and eat.


Today, I am looking at this:
Smitten Kitchen

I came across it when I googled "Best Birthday Cake" and one of their cakes came up. It looks pretty but I already like my cake that looks like that. I don't even want to worry about what it might taste like because mine just happens to taste damn good too.


I'm not in the mood for experimenting with cake recipes.

My birthday is this weekend, Saturday to be exact. I'm having about 15 of my closet friends out for karaoke and I think it's going to be a blast. I've rented a room at a Korean bar and everyone knows to expect the maturity level of an 8 year old and a noise level of an AK-47. I'm trying to decide if I want to make a cake and bring it down.

Tomorrow is going to be fun, I know it. Today... today is fake birthday at work. That's the end!