Sunday, January 17, 2010

Haiti

One of the former members of my church in New Orleans works for CNN and is in Haiti. He says that World Vision, World Relief and World Food Program are being effective. Something to consider if you are looking to send help.

World Vision:
http://www.worldvision.org

World Relief:
http://worldrelief.org

World Food Program:
http://www.wfp.org/

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

New Orleans in January

Well, we've made it to January and have ushered in Epiphany season with some frozen disbelief. Tropical plants left uncovered have a dark, slick, greasy look as they slump over in their planters. I've pulled out the down coat I bought during my last winter in Hoboken. My roommate and I went three days without water because of a burst pipe. The cold weather is big news down here. We usually get one or two nights of freezing temps in a winter. This is a bit extreme.

I should be sleeping, but the restlessness I feel keeps my mind humming. I heard Eddie Vedder's voice on my iTunes today and I felt 17 again. This took me back to the 90's--no cell phone, no internet (especially not wireless), no blogging, no Facebook, no iTunes. I think I might have been better off then in some ways, when the discipline to use a pen and write complete thoughts on paper mostly still existed. I was forgetful, but I didn't feel overwhelmed and distracted. I had never heard of ADD anyways.

Looking back, I know this is not exactly what I imagined life to be, but that doesn't mean that this isn't where I should be. I'm just a little stunned, I guess, how out of control I seem--not wild, not directionless, but at the mercy of life. I don't like this feeling. I wish I was back in high school art studio processing my feelings with charcoals and oversized paper. At least then it was still acceptable to feel so clueless.

Ok, ok, I feel the downward spiral. I am looking for the redemptive upward angle.

Some shots from my staycation...









Saturday, December 05, 2009

Movie Recommendation: Zelary


http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi954204441/

This movie is 6 years old, but I just recently came across it in my Netflix searching. Click on the link above for the trailer. It's a Czech film set in 1943-1945. It is awesome--but you will probably cry. At least I did.

Friday, December 04, 2009

In case you don't have Saturday plans...

Arleen's Candle Party ... - pingg.com

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

CHEESE NIGHT--it's that time again!

Tropical Storm Ida bears down on the Gulf Coast but I am still focused on cheese. Despite weather warnings (and the thunderstorms of August and September threatened worse than this), my group of cheese lovers rallied. We met again at Kathan's and shared wine, bread, salad and cheese in a simple, yet glorious combination.

1. Pont L'Eveque. I had it for the first time in the department of France called the Calvados. ( I think it is part of the Auvergne.) It was such a crowd pleaser! We had it with sparkling white wine, such a great combo.
2. Mimolette. This is the second time we have had this, I confess. This time, though, I learned that this cheese, from near Lille, France, was comissioned by Louis the 14th as a rival to the Dutch Edam.
3. Our most favorite, the orgasm of cheese, Delice de Bourgogne. A triple cream cheese made not only from whole cow's milk, but indeed from creme fraiche, the tangy touch of sour cream to our American palettes. Delish. Also great with a sparkling white wine. Proseco in this case.
4. SALAD BREAK!!! Kathan is an amazing salad savant. This one rivals Crepe Nanou.

And now, for a message from Herve' Mons...

5. Tomme de Bois Noirs
6. Gabietou
7. Lavrot

Please look these up. I am out of words....

Here are a few websites that will give some insight into cheese:

http://behindtherinds.blogspot.com/

http://curdnerds.com/

Monday, November 02, 2009

10 Common and Uncommon Cancer Causes - CarePages.com

10 Common and Uncommon Cancer Causes - CarePages.com

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Halloween 2009








La Boqueria, Barcelona 2009

video

Dog


The dog below belongs to my friend Cara. He is named Mozart and he is a semi-finalist for a million dollar prize. This weekend for Halloween I dressed up as him.

We find out if he made the top 4 on Nov. 12. After that, we wait to see if he won a MILLION dollars. Is that crazy OR WHAT!?

Cutest Dog Competition

CutestDogCompetition.com
Vote for my DogSponsored by All American Pet Brands makers of premium dog food.