Hello wonderful readers!
I have been conspicuously absent from this space for awhile now. While I still have a great love for all things food, art and flora I felt like there was more I wanted to do in this web-space. Over the past few months I have been working on a new concept and over the course of the last month I have finally launched that new concept in the form of a new blog. You will find that it is a different format, different feel, and different blog altogether.
It is called "If I were my own best friend...".
Basically it is the advice I would give myself if I were smart enough to listen to myself (and other stuff of the same ilk.)
Here is the link:
http://ifiweremyownbestfriend.wordpress.com/
Check it out. If you like it, feel free to subscribe via email or RSS feed.
I have enjoyed the interactions, comments and growth that have come from this blog. I hope you will find something worth reading or following on the new one!
Thank you again for the great experience. I hope to see you at the new site.
With thanks,
Rachel
P.S. I will be shutting this one down in the near future. Thanks again!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
An exploration of spring
Let's talk about flora...
I don't know about you, but spring can be tough! It's sunny one day, rainy the next. I'm breaking out my shorts and tank tops, then I'm hunting for my woolen socks. I have whiplash from the rapid changes in direction the weather keeps taking (and I even live in a temperate zone!).
One thing I've noticed, that remains common to spring, regardless of the mercurial weather, are the daffodils! I see them sprouting through the dirt, reaching for the sun, and blossoming with reckless abandon all around. Their fabulous yellow petals brighten up the dreariest days and yards. Daffodils remind me that the weather will eventually even out and that consistently warmer, sunnier days are just around the corner.
When I was shopping at Trader Joe's last week, (on a day that started out 50 degrees and raining, then ended up 70 degrees and sunny) I found bundles of daffodil stalks (10 stalks for only $1.29)!! The helpful guy at the store told me all I had to do was put the stalks in a vase with water, and in a couple days they would start blooming! You can't beat that for ease! Since I don't have a yard to plant bulbs in, this was going to be the closest I would get to having daffodils in my house. I brought home a couple dozen and spread them around in various vases.
Interspersed throughout this post are a few pictures I took as they started to open up and blossom! (Can you tell I have been trying to play around with the camera??)
Do you love spring?? Or are you already looking forward to the warm (and more consistent) weather of summer??
I don't know about you, but spring can be tough! It's sunny one day, rainy the next. I'm breaking out my shorts and tank tops, then I'm hunting for my woolen socks. I have whiplash from the rapid changes in direction the weather keeps taking (and I even live in a temperate zone!).
One thing I've noticed, that remains common to spring, regardless of the mercurial weather, are the daffodils! I see them sprouting through the dirt, reaching for the sun, and blossoming with reckless abandon all around. Their fabulous yellow petals brighten up the dreariest days and yards. Daffodils remind me that the weather will eventually even out and that consistently warmer, sunnier days are just around the corner.
When I was shopping at Trader Joe's last week, (on a day that started out 50 degrees and raining, then ended up 70 degrees and sunny) I found bundles of daffodil stalks (10 stalks for only $1.29)!! The helpful guy at the store told me all I had to do was put the stalks in a vase with water, and in a couple days they would start blooming! You can't beat that for ease! Since I don't have a yard to plant bulbs in, this was going to be the closest I would get to having daffodils in my house. I brought home a couple dozen and spread them around in various vases.
Interspersed throughout this post are a few pictures I took as they started to open up and blossom! (Can you tell I have been trying to play around with the camera??)
Do you love spring?? Or are you already looking forward to the warm (and more consistent) weather of summer??
Sunday, March 20, 2011
San Diego Zoo
Let's talk about... The Zoo!
What: The San Diego Zoo
Where: in San Diego, at Balboa park
When: Hours vary by season, check the website
Cost: $40 per adult, $30 for children 3-11, Free for children under 3
Website: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/index.php
Last weekend we took a trip to San Diego and had the opportunity to wander around the Zoo. At first I was a little bit skeptical that a zoo could deliver $36 (it's usually $40 per adult, but I found $4-off-coupons at the hotel!) of entertainment, but I was wrong!
I felt like the Zoo experience was actually worth the money. While I still struggle with the idea of these animals being locked up in cages and living their lives in what amounts to a jail, I was amazed by many of the habitats that have been built. They are integrated and spaced in such a way that as I wandered through the pathways I started to feel like I was in a jungle or at the dessert or transported to the plains (excepting of course the bars, wires, and plexiglass).
I skipped the panda experience (due to an atrociously long line) but managed to wander through almost all of the rest of the Zoo in about 3 hours. There were a plethora of birds, the requisite creepy crawlers and slitherers, monkeys, bears, tigers, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, sleeping hippos, and so much more! As I meandered I learned about the animals; I was reminded of the amazing biodiversity of this planet and the fragile state so many of these populations exist in now. I had an opportunity to see animals I will probably never see in the wild and I feel the Zoo experience allowed me to better remember and respect these great and amazing creatures.
Scattered throughout are a few pictures of both the common and uncommon I was able to see while wandering the Zoo. Please enjoy, and if you are in San Diego looking for something to do consider adding this to your list.
What: The San Diego Zoo
Where: in San Diego, at Balboa park
When: Hours vary by season, check the website
Cost: $40 per adult, $30 for children 3-11, Free for children under 3
Website: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/index.php
Last weekend we took a trip to San Diego and had the opportunity to wander around the Zoo. At first I was a little bit skeptical that a zoo could deliver $36 (it's usually $40 per adult, but I found $4-off-coupons at the hotel!) of entertainment, but I was wrong!
I felt like the Zoo experience was actually worth the money. While I still struggle with the idea of these animals being locked up in cages and living their lives in what amounts to a jail, I was amazed by many of the habitats that have been built. They are integrated and spaced in such a way that as I wandered through the pathways I started to feel like I was in a jungle or at the dessert or transported to the plains (excepting of course the bars, wires, and plexiglass).
Scattered throughout are a few pictures of both the common and uncommon I was able to see while wandering the Zoo. Please enjoy, and if you are in San Diego looking for something to do consider adding this to your list.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Arcimboldo
Let's talk about Art!
Who: Giuseppe Arcimboldo
When: Born in 1526, Died in 1592
Where: Born in Milan, traveled to Lombardy, worked in Vienna, then Prague, finally returned to Milan
What: an amazing artist you have probably never heard of before
For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giuseppe_Arcimboldo
Arcimboldo is best known for his detailed and fanciful portraits, most of which are made up of a variety of plants, animals and objects put together to create a person. The individual pieces of each portrait contribute to the overall sense of who the person is that is being portrayed. Every detail is built from smaller objects and items to provide a sense of who the person in the portrait actually is. In the portrait of Spring, featured below, over 80 different species of flowers have been identified.
Arcimboldo was greatly influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, who had spent considerable time in Milan as a court artist. Historians report that much of Arcimboldo's early work was done as a natural illustrator of birds, plants, and animals, all of which were completed in the style of da Vinci. During his lifetime Arcimboldo served Maximillian II, who became Holy Roman Emperor in 1564, and Rudolf II, who succeeded his father in 1576.
Throughout his years serving the Roman Emperors Arcimboldo painted many portraits of the court (few of which have survived) as well as the more fanciful compositions I have included here. In his later years he explored the challenge of reversible paintings, such as the one above, which can be viewed from the top OR the bottom. In this case the painting is either a bowl of produce or a gardener. I suppose for the fickle art lover this is the best of both worlds, you can have a still life one day and a portrait the next!
Who: Giuseppe Arcimboldo
When: Born in 1526, Died in 1592
Where: Born in Milan, traveled to Lombardy, worked in Vienna, then Prague, finally returned to Milan
What: an amazing artist you have probably never heard of before
For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giuseppe_Arcimboldo
Arcimboldo is best known for his detailed and fanciful portraits, most of which are made up of a variety of plants, animals and objects put together to create a person. The individual pieces of each portrait contribute to the overall sense of who the person is that is being portrayed. Every detail is built from smaller objects and items to provide a sense of who the person in the portrait actually is. In the portrait of Spring, featured below, over 80 different species of flowers have been identified.
Arcimboldo was greatly influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, who had spent considerable time in Milan as a court artist. Historians report that much of Arcimboldo's early work was done as a natural illustrator of birds, plants, and animals, all of which were completed in the style of da Vinci. During his lifetime Arcimboldo served Maximillian II, who became Holy Roman Emperor in 1564, and Rudolf II, who succeeded his father in 1576.
Throughout his years serving the Roman Emperors Arcimboldo painted many portraits of the court (few of which have survived) as well as the more fanciful compositions I have included here. In his later years he explored the challenge of reversible paintings, such as the one above, which can be viewed from the top OR the bottom. In this case the painting is either a bowl of produce or a gardener. I suppose for the fickle art lover this is the best of both worlds, you can have a still life one day and a portrait the next!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Extreme Exposure
Let's talk about Art!
What: The Annenberg Space for Photography
Current Exhibit: Extreme Exposure
When: exhibit opened in October 2010 and will run through April 17, 2011
Where: 2000 Avenue of the Stars #10, Los Angeles, CA, 90067
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, closed Monday and Tuesday
Cost: General admission is free, you only have to pay for parking (on the weekend with validation it cost $1, I don't know about the weekdays)
Website (for more info): http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/
The current exhibit is called Extreme Exposure and is a combination of five photographers' works. Each of these photographers have done amazing work in some of the Earth's most extreme environments (hence the exhibit name!). The exhibit can be explored through a combination of photographs, video shorts that allow the photographers to explain or expand on the works you see, Microsoft surface tables, and a library with further reading and longer videos.
I was touched and awed by the works I saw in the exhibit.
Each of these amazing photographers seemed to become part of their environment and it shows in their finished works. If you are in Los Angeles and have a chance to visit the exhibit I HIGHLY recommend it!
Happy Art-ing!
What: The Annenberg Space for Photography
Current Exhibit: Extreme Exposure
When: exhibit opened in October 2010 and will run through April 17, 2011
Where: 2000 Avenue of the Stars #10, Los Angeles, CA, 90067
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, closed Monday and Tuesday
Cost: General admission is free, you only have to pay for parking (on the weekend with validation it cost $1, I don't know about the weekdays)
Website (for more info): http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/
The current exhibit is called Extreme Exposure and is a combination of five photographers' works. Each of these photographers have done amazing work in some of the Earth's most extreme environments (hence the exhibit name!). The exhibit can be explored through a combination of photographs, video shorts that allow the photographers to explain or expand on the works you see, Microsoft surface tables, and a library with further reading and longer videos.
I was touched and awed by the works I saw in the exhibit.
- Clyde Butcher has done stunning black and white film work in Florida and throughout the nation's national parks. As I viewed many of his pieces I felt if I took one step forward I would be in the photograph and no longer observing it. If I closed my eyes I imagined I would hear the sounds of the swamp just from looking at his pictures of the Florida wetlands.
- Paul Nicklen's photographs showed me animals throughout the coldest climates in the world, above and under water. His work is stunning and his methods are terrifying for anyone sane. From leopard seals to narwhal whales to polar bears to penguins he allowed me to see these animals in ways I have never seen before.
- Michael Nichols had some of the most amazing animal photographs I have ever witnessed. Tigers leaping from cliffs, owls swooping down for food, hippos surfing and so much more. He also created a phenomenal photograph of a redwood tree that stopped me in my tracks (you have to see it to believe it).
- Donna and Stephen O'Meara are a wife and husband team who have spent their lives taking stunning pictures of erupting volcanoes all over the globe. The colors and compositions are bold and beautiful.Their images of the volcano that erupted in Iceland in April of 2010 are gorgeous.
Each of these amazing photographers seemed to become part of their environment and it shows in their finished works. If you are in Los Angeles and have a chance to visit the exhibit I HIGHLY recommend it!
Happy Art-ing!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Garden Bus!
Let's talk about plants!
I saw this post on the GOOD magazine website and immediately knew I had to share it.
http://www.urbangardensweb.com/2011/02/01/gardens-on-top-of-city-busses/
The organization is called Bus Roots - it was developed by an NYU student for a masters thesis. The gist is this: he is using the top of a public bus to plant a garden! Each bus top is 340 square feet. There are approximately 4,500 buses in the fleet. If each bus had a garden on top, that would add 1,530,000 square feet of rolling garden space to the city!!!
It made me think: what space could I use to create more greenery? What would that do for my environment, both on a small and large scale? What would it do for my neighbors? I can only imagine sitting in an office building at work, glancing out my second or third story window for a quick mental break, and a garden rolls by on the top of a bus. How would that change my outlook in the moment? How would it change my outlook over time?
I am so inspired by people who think outside the proverbial box, or in this case think on top of it.
I saw this post on the GOOD magazine website and immediately knew I had to share it.
http://www.urbangardensweb.com/2011/02/01/gardens-on-top-of-city-busses/
The organization is called Bus Roots - it was developed by an NYU student for a masters thesis. The gist is this: he is using the top of a public bus to plant a garden! Each bus top is 340 square feet. There are approximately 4,500 buses in the fleet. If each bus had a garden on top, that would add 1,530,000 square feet of rolling garden space to the city!!!
It made me think: what space could I use to create more greenery? What would that do for my environment, both on a small and large scale? What would it do for my neighbors? I can only imagine sitting in an office building at work, glancing out my second or third story window for a quick mental break, and a garden rolls by on the top of a bus. How would that change my outlook in the moment? How would it change my outlook over time?
I am so inspired by people who think outside the proverbial box, or in this case think on top of it.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
El Centro
Let's talk about food!
I'm going to try something a little different this year... restaurant reviews!
We'll start with a place I visited last year, but it was phenomenal and has stuck with me, so I figured why not start there?!?!
In case you are ever traveling to NYC, have spent the entire day shifting from a cramped airplane seat on a full flight, to a cramped train seat, to rush-hour subway traffic with 50 pounds of luggage, a sinus infection and a broken toe... this is the place for you! It was the perfect find, after a harrowing day of travel; quick and kind service, delicious food, and tasty margaritas. The giant neon cactus above the entrance was a beacon, pulling us home!
Restaurant: El Centro
Address: 824 9th Avenue @ 54th Street, NYC, NY 10019
Phone: 646.763.6585
Web: www.elcentro-nyc.com
The Service: quick, friendly, efficient
The Ambience: eclectic, homey, comfortable; a tight fit at some of the tables, but the booths and chairs were comfy; lights were down, atmosphere was relaxed, post-work drinks and appetizers for some, full meals for many; I loved the Corona-bottle-chandeliers!
The Food: We both tucked into a large bowl of tasty chips, lightly salted and warm! In my opinion, the salsa was closer to spaghetti sauce; the tomatoes were coarsely chopped and I didn't taste much cilantro or jalapeno, but it went down smoothly with the super-tasty chips. And after 12 hours of traveling, who really cares?!?!
For the main course, we both chose the pozole soup with chicken - a white hominy soup with avocado, radish, and oregano. All I can say is YUM and I have to figure out how to recreate this dish! The soup was warm and roasty with just the right level of spiciness (my sinuses actually started to open!). The pozole melted in my mouth and the broth was perfectly complemented by a few thin slices of avocado and shredded chicken. The radish added a nice crunch to the soup and I happily finished the whole bowl.
The Drinks: margaritas on the rocks with salt - solid, zesty, not too sweet, not too much ice; they went well with the chips and salsa (and they went quickly)
The Money: $10-20/person for entree and one drink - seemed pretty reasonable to me for an NYC dinner
Cheers! (Or should I say Ole!)
I'm going to try something a little different this year... restaurant reviews!
We'll start with a place I visited last year, but it was phenomenal and has stuck with me, so I figured why not start there?!?!
In case you are ever traveling to NYC, have spent the entire day shifting from a cramped airplane seat on a full flight, to a cramped train seat, to rush-hour subway traffic with 50 pounds of luggage, a sinus infection and a broken toe... this is the place for you! It was the perfect find, after a harrowing day of travel; quick and kind service, delicious food, and tasty margaritas. The giant neon cactus above the entrance was a beacon, pulling us home!
Restaurant: El Centro
Address: 824 9th Avenue @ 54th Street, NYC, NY 10019
Phone: 646.763.6585
Web: www.elcentro-nyc.com
The Service: quick, friendly, efficient
The Ambience: eclectic, homey, comfortable; a tight fit at some of the tables, but the booths and chairs were comfy; lights were down, atmosphere was relaxed, post-work drinks and appetizers for some, full meals for many; I loved the Corona-bottle-chandeliers!
The Food: We both tucked into a large bowl of tasty chips, lightly salted and warm! In my opinion, the salsa was closer to spaghetti sauce; the tomatoes were coarsely chopped and I didn't taste much cilantro or jalapeno, but it went down smoothly with the super-tasty chips. And after 12 hours of traveling, who really cares?!?!
For the main course, we both chose the pozole soup with chicken - a white hominy soup with avocado, radish, and oregano. All I can say is YUM and I have to figure out how to recreate this dish! The soup was warm and roasty with just the right level of spiciness (my sinuses actually started to open!). The pozole melted in my mouth and the broth was perfectly complemented by a few thin slices of avocado and shredded chicken. The radish added a nice crunch to the soup and I happily finished the whole bowl.
The Drinks: margaritas on the rocks with salt - solid, zesty, not too sweet, not too much ice; they went well with the chips and salsa (and they went quickly)
The Money: $10-20/person for entree and one drink - seemed pretty reasonable to me for an NYC dinner
Cheers! (Or should I say Ole!)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Huntington Gardens - Koi Pond
A few weeks ago we took a day trip to the Huntington Gardens (in South Pasadena). For me it was a sprawling adventure in gardens, art, and peaceful surroundings. I love the fact that as soon as I entered the gardens I never once felt like I was in the middle of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.
Over the next few weeks I will be playing around with some of the pictures I took, then posting them on this site. The gardens were amazing and left me with so many ideas.... Happy viewing!
Over the next few weeks I will be playing around with some of the pictures I took, then posting them on this site. The gardens were amazing and left me with so many ideas.... Happy viewing!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
All-in-one Postcard!
I received a post card in the mail last week! It is always a treat to get something that is not a bill or an advertisement or a necessary piece of correspondence, but this was particularly exciting because it contained all three elements of my blog title: Food, Art, and Flora!
Below is the postcard:
Now, I will admit, this is an odd sort of picture, yet perfect for me! In case you are not certain about the elements I have labeled below... Food in the form of chiles. Art in the form of painted mailboxes. Flora in the form of the wreath and paintings of plants on the mailboxes.
Dear friend, thank you for thinking of me and sending the postcard!
Below is the postcard:
Now, I will admit, this is an odd sort of picture, yet perfect for me! In case you are not certain about the elements I have labeled below... Food in the form of chiles. Art in the form of painted mailboxes. Flora in the form of the wreath and paintings of plants on the mailboxes.
Dear friend, thank you for thinking of me and sending the postcard!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Art and Resistance.
I am reading a book right now called "The War of Art", by Steven Pressfield. It is about overcoming the blocks that prevent us from doing the creative work we feel called to do. The following section significantly altered the way I look at resistance, so I thought I would share it with you.
In some ways I think this is like breaking through a big brick wall.
Resistance is directly proportional to love. If you're feeling massive Resistance, the good news is, it means there's tremendous love there too. If you didn't love the project that is terrifying you, you wouldn't feel anything. The opposite of love isn't hate; it's indifference.
The more Resistance you experience, the more important your unmanifested art/project/enterprise is to you - and the more gratification you will feel when you finally do it.
In some ways I think this is like breaking through a big brick wall.
Resistance and Love
Resistance is directly proportional to love. If you're feeling massive Resistance, the good news is, it means there's tremendous love there too. If you didn't love the project that is terrifying you, you wouldn't feel anything. The opposite of love isn't hate; it's indifference.
The more Resistance you experience, the more important your unmanifested art/project/enterprise is to you - and the more gratification you will feel when you finally do it.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Where does the time go???
What happens to a blog when you work way too many hours? What happens when you are training for a marathon and the mileage has suddenly ramped up significantly? What happens when you get home from work and all you want to do is crawl into bed and sleep? What happens when you have a gazillion-mizmillion ideas you want to write about, but cannot seem to make the time to put anything to paper?
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing happens.
You look back and there are no entries. The photos you took three weeks ago are still waiting to be formatted for the web. The fizzmillion ideas you have are still floating in your head, bumping up against the other thoughts about work and cleaning the toilets and doing laundry and paying the bills and checking on your family and getting your oil changed and... You get the idea.
My commitment to you, wonderful reader, is to post something at least once a week. It will continue to involve food or art or flora, but it may be less about my exploration in those areas and more about some of these thoughts bumping around in my head.
I would appreciate any feedback (positive or constructive) on what you have enjoyed about these postings, if you have learned anything, and what you would like to see more of on here. In the same vein, if something just doesn't work for you, please let me know about that as well.
I have enjoyed writing these posts and watching this space evolve. I look forward to further posting and exploration and appreciate any and all feedback from you!
Thanks!
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing happens.
You look back and there are no entries. The photos you took three weeks ago are still waiting to be formatted for the web. The fizzmillion ideas you have are still floating in your head, bumping up against the other thoughts about work and cleaning the toilets and doing laundry and paying the bills and checking on your family and getting your oil changed and... You get the idea.
My commitment to you, wonderful reader, is to post something at least once a week. It will continue to involve food or art or flora, but it may be less about my exploration in those areas and more about some of these thoughts bumping around in my head.
I would appreciate any feedback (positive or constructive) on what you have enjoyed about these postings, if you have learned anything, and what you would like to see more of on here. In the same vein, if something just doesn't work for you, please let me know about that as well.
I have enjoyed writing these posts and watching this space evolve. I look forward to further posting and exploration and appreciate any and all feedback from you!
Thanks!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
My Favorite Tomato Sauce
Have you ever had one of those days when you get home from work and it's late. You still have to workout, so being the committed health-nut you are, you do your workout... and now it's later. You are hungry and want to eat, but know that whatever you decide to cook, it's going be even later when you sit down to eat. And on top of that, whatever you make will have to be cleaned at the end. What to do???
Enter: my favorite tomato sauce recipe. In the amount of time it takes to boil water and make pasta I can make this sauce from scratch and throw together a quick and easy salad. Ta-dah! Healthy and tasty dinner, done in about 20 minutes (and the dish load is 2 pots, 1 cutting board, 1 knife, and the bowls you are eating in along with silverware).
Directions
Enter: my favorite tomato sauce recipe. In the amount of time it takes to boil water and make pasta I can make this sauce from scratch and throw together a quick and easy salad. Ta-dah! Healthy and tasty dinner, done in about 20 minutes (and the dish load is 2 pots, 1 cutting board, 1 knife, and the bowls you are eating in along with silverware).
Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil
- 4-6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4-6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 4-6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta of your choice (follow directions on the package)
Directions
- Follow the directions for your chosen pasta and start the water boiling in a sauce pan, once the water is ready add the pasta, cook as directed, drain and set aside if the sauce is not ready yet
- Meanwhile, in a separate sauce pan, heat the olive oil over medium-hi heat
- Add the chopped onions and garlic - cook until lightly browned, stirring occasionally (about 4 minutes)
- Add the chopped tomatoes, cover and let cook, stirring occasionally (about 8-10 minutes)
- Add the chopped basil, salt and pepper to taste
- Serve the pasta, drenched in fresh tomato sauce and enjoy!
Options
- Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese or a few more pieces of fresh basil
- Instead of tomatoes - consider making the sauce with yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, spinach or any other tasty vegetable combination
- While the sauce is simmering and the pasta is boiling chop up a quick and easy fresh salad to pair with the meal
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Giving.
Saw a billboard while I was out running today that gave me pause...
When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing.
Think about it.
When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing.
Think about it.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Art. Lost between Food and Flora.
I look back over the last few months and note there have not been too many postings about Art; I have been much more focused on Food and Flora. I have decided it is time to change that trend.
Some would say that the fields of gardening and cooking, and their subsequent explorations, are art in their own right, and I would not argue with this statement. Growing and tending plants is not just about soil, sun and water; there is definitely an art to their cultivation. Cooking is similar to starting with a blank canvas, but instead of paints, I start with garlic, onions, olive oil, then combine them together, hoping to make something artfully delicious.
The word 'art' has many definitions; I found sixteen in the dictionary. I happened to like the sixteenth best. It defined art as "science, learning and scholarship." That of course got me thinking about what do each of those words mean and what does that mean for a definition of 'art'?
So what does all this mean?
Based on the definition of art being science, learning and scholarship I see the following results:
I think the last part is the most important, ART IS ABOUT LEARNING.
Art is not just about the artist learning about the subject matter and mastering it. It is also about the artist helping others learn about their subject. It is about sharing knowledge and a unique point of view, based on observations and experiments.
If art is about knowledge and learning, and the learning is not just for the artist, but the audience as well, I think then, there are two additional statements that help shape my definition of art:
How does your art change the world?
Definitions from Websters Dictionary.
Some would say that the fields of gardening and cooking, and their subsequent explorations, are art in their own right, and I would not argue with this statement. Growing and tending plants is not just about soil, sun and water; there is definitely an art to their cultivation. Cooking is similar to starting with a blank canvas, but instead of paints, I start with garlic, onions, olive oil, then combine them together, hoping to make something artfully delicious.
The word 'art' has many definitions; I found sixteen in the dictionary. I happened to like the sixteenth best. It defined art as "science, learning and scholarship." That of course got me thinking about what do each of those words mean and what does that mean for a definition of 'art'?
- Science is a "knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation." (second definition out of seven)
- Learning is "to acquire knowledge, mastery or understanding by study or experience." (first definition out of three)
- And finally, scholarship is "learning or knowledge acquired by study." (first definition of four)
So what does all this mean?
Based on the definition of art being science, learning and scholarship I see the following results:
- Art is about knowledge
- Art involves observation and experimentation
- Art is about understanding a subject through experience (possibly observation or experimentation)
- Art is about learning
I think the last part is the most important, ART IS ABOUT LEARNING.
Art is not just about the artist learning about the subject matter and mastering it. It is also about the artist helping others learn about their subject. It is about sharing knowledge and a unique point of view, based on observations and experiments.
If art is about knowledge and learning, and the learning is not just for the artist, but the audience as well, I think then, there are two additional statements that help shape my definition of art:
- Art is about teaching
- Art can change the world through the sharing of knowledge
How does your art change the world?
Definitions from Websters Dictionary.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Succulents can bloom!
I had no idea the succulents I recently planted (and a few not so recently) could flower! Apparently they are quite content in their new surroundings. I am seeing a plethora of new growth, flowers and (I swear) smiling plants. Alright, maybe it's just me smiling because I finally have low maintenance, happy growing plants.
Check out the happy new growth!
Space Rocks is one of two plants that survived last year's foray into the world of gardening. It limped through last year, then found itself in a new pot, in a new spot and voila.... it gets flowers! It is still one of the strangest looking plants I have ever seen... I don't think the new flowers do anything to change this opinion.
Look at this plant... how can you NOT think it's smiling??? I love happy plants!
More flowers.
Thanks and happy gardening!!
Check out the happy new growth!
Space Rocks is one of two plants that survived last year's foray into the world of gardening. It limped through last year, then found itself in a new pot, in a new spot and voila.... it gets flowers! It is still one of the strangest looking plants I have ever seen... I don't think the new flowers do anything to change this opinion.
Look at this plant... how can you NOT think it's smiling??? I love happy plants!
More flowers.
Thanks and happy gardening!!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Being Lucky (in memoriam)
You were surrounded by love,
buoyed by friendship,
cared for and about.
So many people came to visit,
to sit and hold your hand,
to eat with you and watch you sleep.
They poured their love into and around you,
and you survived,
beyond all of the odds.
You lived longer
then anyone predicted,
but not as long as you wanted.
Life is rarely as long as we want.
At the very, very end,
you said you were Lucky.
You knew you were so very loved.
And with that,
you finally, quietly, inconspicuosly,
let go.
buoyed by friendship,
cared for and about.
So many people came to visit,
to sit and hold your hand,
to eat with you and watch you sleep.
They poured their love into and around you,
and you survived,
beyond all of the odds.
You lived longer
then anyone predicted,
but not as long as you wanted.
Life is rarely as long as we want.
At the very, very end,
you said you were Lucky.
You knew you were so very loved.
And with that,
you finally, quietly, inconspicuosly,
let go.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Garden went native.
The seeds were planted in mid spring. The seedlings came up. They grew. I watered them everyday (sometimes twice on really hot days). We were gone for 4 days and I had to find a friend to come to the apartment to water the plants. The seedlings grew into flowers and herbs and edible things. They flourished and lived. And now they have died.
Instead of replanting seeds and running "the race" again, I have decided to go native. That means succulents, drought-resistant plants, species that only need watering once or twice a week, and things that LOVE the sun. I spent a little time at Armstrong Gardening in Santa Monica this week. The staff were friendly, helpful and provided me with more information then I have received in every visit combined that I made to Home Depot or Osh over the last 4 years. (Armstrong did not pay me for this or give me any sort of kickback and does not even know I am writing about them... I just wanted to share that they were GREAT!)
That being said, I would like to introduce you to some of the new additions. I am excited to see how they take to their new environment. As usual, it will be a fun experiment to see what thrives and what dives. I am going to have to return to Armstrong soon; I have already forgotten the names of some of our new plant pals.
Hens and Chicks is also called Sempervivum arachnoideum. Apparently, under the optimal conditions, it has very rare, bright red blooms. Maybe I will get lucky!
SharkSkin Agave is a bit dangerous, but cool looking. There are sharp little spines along the edges of the leaves. I do not think I will be getting too close and personal with this little guy.
Instead of replanting seeds and running "the race" again, I have decided to go native. That means succulents, drought-resistant plants, species that only need watering once or twice a week, and things that LOVE the sun. I spent a little time at Armstrong Gardening in Santa Monica this week. The staff were friendly, helpful and provided me with more information then I have received in every visit combined that I made to Home Depot or Osh over the last 4 years. (Armstrong did not pay me for this or give me any sort of kickback and does not even know I am writing about them... I just wanted to share that they were GREAT!)
That being said, I would like to introduce you to some of the new additions. I am excited to see how they take to their new environment. As usual, it will be a fun experiment to see what thrives and what dives. I am going to have to return to Armstrong soon; I have already forgotten the names of some of our new plant pals.
Hens and Chicks is also called Sempervivum arachnoideum. Apparently, under the optimal conditions, it has very rare, bright red blooms. Maybe I will get lucky!
SharkSkin Agave is a bit dangerous, but cool looking. There are sharp little spines along the edges of the leaves. I do not think I will be getting too close and personal with this little guy.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Wilted Greens
It seems like the only way I ever eat greens is in a salad.... not anymore! This is a great, easy recipe for preparing greens that is NOT a salad, and would be a fine accompaniment to many main courses! I found this in "Easy British Cooking", edited by Celine Hughes.
This recipe will work with any fresh, small-leaf green. I used aragula (which I just found out is also called rocket), but you could easily substitute baby greens or baby spinach. Enjoy!
Serves: as many as you want, it depends on how many greens you have
Time: 10 minutes (to gather ingredients, cook and serve)
This recipe will work with any fresh, small-leaf green. I used aragula (which I just found out is also called rocket), but you could easily substitute baby greens or baby spinach. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 large bunches of fresh small-leaf greens
- 1-2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- freshly ground sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Crush the garlic clove while keeping it whole, and spear it on the end of a fork.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over med-high heat.
- Add a large handful of greens to the pan - stir them around with the garlic-fork spear until just wilted (approx. 30-45 seconds).
- Transfer the greens from the pan to a plate with tongs.
- Repeat steps 3 & 4 until you have all the greens you want wilted.
- Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on each pile to season, add a little salt and pepper to taste.
- Eat while warm!
Serves: as many as you want, it depends on how many greens you have
Time: 10 minutes (to gather ingredients, cook and serve)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Cottage Pie
For me, this recipe is absolute comfort food. Potatoes, ground meat, bacon... mmmm. Sorry vegetarians, this one is not for you (but if you wanted to make the jump back to carnivore-land, this might be a good recipe to try!). Even though it is summer right now, I can already visualize making this on a cold, rainy day, then curling up on the couch with a nice glass of red wine and a big bowl of hot-from-the-oven cottage pie. Have I mentioned "mmmm" yet?
The original recipe comes from a great cookbook a friend brought back from London, called "Easy British Cooking", edited by Celine Hughes. I made quite a few adaptations, while trying to keep the nature of cottage pie intact. I will list those changes at the bottom of this for you to peruse and perhaps try.
All I really have to say about this recipe is: Happy Cooking! Happy Baking! Happy Eating!
Serves: 4 large portions
Cook time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes (includes all the prep time, boiling potatoes, and baking the casserole in the oven)
The original recipe comes from a great cookbook a friend brought back from London, called "Easy British Cooking", edited by Celine Hughes. I made quite a few adaptations, while trying to keep the nature of cottage pie intact. I will list those changes at the bottom of this for you to peruse and perhaps try.
All I really have to say about this recipe is: Happy Cooking! Happy Baking! Happy Eating!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1.5# ground turkey
- 3 pieces of bacon, chopped into pieces
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 heaping tsp dry parsley
- 1/2 tsp dry thyme
- 2 Tbs tomato paste
- coarsely ground sea salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled & chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup milk (I used rice milk, any low fat milk should work)
- 3 Tbs butter (I used butter substitute)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Start by making the mashed potatoes - bring water, bay leaf and chopped potatoes to a boil in a sauce pan. Cook until tender, then drain and remove the bay leaf.
- Place the cooked potatoes in a large bowl, coarsely mash by hand. Add in the butter, then milk; mix until your desired consistency is reached. (For creamier mashed potatoes use an electric hand blender/whisk.)
- While the potatoes are boiling - heat the olive oil over medium heat in a frying pain. Add the onions and cook until browned (3-5 minutes).
- Add the garlic, ground turkey and bacon - cook until the meat is almost completely browned.
- Add the wine to the frying pan - cook until evaporated (adjust the heat as needed).
- Stir in the parsley, thyme, tomato paste, salt & pepper.
- In a medium-sized casserole dish spread the meat mixture over the bottom and level with a spoon. Cover the meat mixture with the mashed potatoes.
- Bake until the potatoes are golden brown on top, about 25-30 minutes.
Serves: 4 large portions
Cook time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes (includes all the prep time, boiling potatoes, and baking the casserole in the oven)
Adaptations
- Olive oil - original recipe called for 2 Tbs butter to brown the onions and meat
- Ground turkey - original recipe called for ground beef
- Bacon - original recipe called for 5-6 pieces of bacon
- Cheddar cheese - original recipe called for 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese to be sprinkled over the casserole before it went into the oven - I omitted this altogether
- Milk - original recipe called for whole milk in the mashed potatoes
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