People - heneedsfood.

As you all know, I fancy myself a gastronome. Unfortunately, I have been in the kitchen quite a bit but have not documented anything of late. I'm not sure why. I made an astounding Italian soup with Swiss Chard and white beans and delightful organic mild sausage. I made a mushroom and asparagus risotto - super satisfying and rich for our first al fresco dining of the season (I'll make both the soup and risotto again and post my recipes soon - so I've not included links here as I'd like to get my own recipes on here for those). And I made a couple Turkish meals while our niece (Ecem) visited us from Quinnipiac University, which included Kofte, Domates Pilavi, Karniyarik and Irmik Helvasi! Just last night I made Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. But none of them, sadly, did I record for P&P. And perhaps that is a good thing - maybe I haven't been terribly inspired to write things lately after my rejection from BlogHer. Or perhaps, my inspiration has waned or I should consider my lack of time - regardless of the reason, I have not discontinued my use of the good old Pinterest - a treasure of inspiration on every pinboard - and it did not disappoint today! I was wanting a clever supper for the husband and I this evening, heavy on "light fare" and heavy on taste. I was stumped until a photo came up "Oyster Mushrooms and Swedes on Toast." I swooned. If your not sure what a swede is, here in the states we call them Turnips. The recipe was created by John Bek, an extraordinary epicure and the founder of heneedsfood - a written account of his culinary delights. His recipes are different but not weird, his instructions are precise but not snooty and his photographs are amazing. And the website itself is a virtual holiday to somewhere else; it is so well done, you can get lost in heneedsfood pages for quite a while before checking to see how long you've waited before indulging in something delicious. It was only fair that I post about John and heneedsfood and catalog the post under "People" and "Gastronomy." He is not just an amazing former chef and current photographer but his roots are Croatian and he is a first generation Aussie. Go see, but do not visit him there if you are hungry.

Oyster Mushrooms and Swedes on Toast by John Bek at heneedsfood.

Rock The Red Pump

#RockTheRedPump
Enzo Angiolini Red Leather Ankle Tie Pumps, standing in front of the
Office of AIDS Prevention Branch Zombie Apocalypse poster.

Me on the left, Our branding at CDPH on the upper right
 and below with co-worker/Style Maven, Renee.

The Rock Red Pump Project was begun in 2009 by Awesomely Luvvie - Luvvy Ajayi and The Fabulous Giver - Karyn Brianne Lee. These two ladies are simply extraordinary. Together they began a fashionable conversation starter about HIV/AIDS Awareness, specifically concerning women and girls and often focusing on AIDS Awareness for Women of Color. This was a particularly important event to be a part of since I work for the California Department of Public Health at the Office of AIDS but that is not the only reason. I am also a woman. I feel blessed to have been invited to post about this inspiring event. On March 10th, do not forget to wear your red shoes.

A Springtime Cocktail

My friend Manny and I have decided that this "in between seasons time" is a difficult place to be for many reasons...fashion, firstly, can be difficult but with a little cultivation can be really creative and cool.

I think cuisine and libations can be equally as challenging and we can get equally creative. For instance, A gin and tonic is strictly a Summertime drink for me, as is a Shandy (a nod to Sacramento Beer Week - I am more a hard cider girl, the perfect Autumn drink), Where a Hot Toddy or Mulled Wine are strictly Winter drinks. But what should we drink in the Spring? For me, I love the Antoinette. It's refreshing and it's got a no nonsense kick. It seems perfect for this time of year just before the time Springs forward. It's clever, unusual and a mixologist's idea of sophistication, I would guess. Try it. You might like ti. If you do, let me know what you think.

People - Beatrice Wood

This is Beatrice Wood. Ever heard of her? Didn't think so.
I thought, as a first "People" post, it would be a good thing to introduce someone extraordinary, female and someone most folks haven't heard about.

"Beato" was an artist, writer and performer. She is primarily known for her ceramic arts. She is, as many artists are, extraordinary for a number of reasons: she was best known for the work she produced after the age of 68. And she died at the age 105. She was an ingenue, a bohemian and gypsy. She lived in India, France and New York City. And she hobnobbed with Marcel Duchamp and claimed herself as part of the Dadaist movement. She was truly amazing - as a woman, as an artist, as a person. Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts delineates her entire, exciting and thoroughly interesting life/career in a nice, comprehensive biography.

Looking for Inspiration

I feel like my blog focus has waned as of late. Unfortunately, I can only drive my attention to so many places at once. Right now, I am learning how to take care of myself. I am learning that being fit is important. I am learning that yoga is my church. I am learning that I do not have to say, "Yes," all the time. I am learning that my husband, no matter what, knows the right way to do things. I am learning to forgive myself for mistakes and to forgive others for not always understanding. I am learning how to release - whether it be anger, guilt or unhappiness. And I am learning to find inspiration in tiny things - like when a scratch becomes a scab. And, I am learning to accept myself and all my weirdness.

In considering "inspiration" today, I found this card, at this place. It really speaks to my love for the macabre.

Rules for Love

Happy St. Valentine's Day

Rules for Love 

A compilation of succinct rules all of us couples should follow.

If we did, we would be sure to stay in love forever.

Rules for love.

1. When it arrives, cherish it.
2. Whatever you accept, you will get
3. Understand that love is a mirror—it will show us who we are if we allow it to.
4. Only we can make ourselves happy, it is not the other person’s responsibility.

Follow the link above or here to see 51 more rules. 

1920's Postcard Detail

1920's Georges Barbier

Ron Hicks "Impulsive"

A Person is Fascinating

Source

I've decided to add a new category.

Do I call it "People?" or "A World of People?" or "Person?" or "Homo Sapiens?" or maybe I should go with something more sensitive like, "The Human Connection?" or "A Person is Fascinating," as I have titled this post? In any regard, while I sometimes moan about The Human Race at large, I think that a person is intriguing and phenomenal and I have some interesting folks that I'd like to introduce you to! Make some suggestions about the title of this category (for now it's in the right hand sidebar and I'm simply calling it "People").

Everyone has a story.