Update: Work, Study, Play, Repeat

January 22nd, 2012 · Family, Personal Story, Random, Ruminations

I’ve been an absentee blogger. An update is probably warranted. I recently launched a copywriting and Spanish translation business, Bridges Writing Services. Working for oneself is a drastic change, but so far I am enjoying being my own boss. After 11 years working in local government, I felt a strong desire to break out of what I had been doing, leave my 9 to 5 job and start anew. 

I am fortunate to have some strong family support to assist in my journey to create the life I want to live. This month, I began coursework at the University of Texas. The frenetic energy on campus is so contagious!

 Finding the time to relax and enjoy the moment has proven less difficult after my drastic lifestyle change. Oh, hi sky, I didn’t notice you there before!

A man sooner or later discovers that he is the master gardener of his soul, the director of his life -James Allen

This song “Called Out in the Dark” by Snow Patrol echoes how I feel exactly. If you have a moment, take a listen. I dedicate it to my late brother, Josh.

Always,

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A New Look at the Ordinary: Artist Siobhan McBride

January 12th, 2012 · Random, Ruminations

Rumination Avenue has been quiet lately, because I’ve been quiet, too. Listening. Observing. Feeling. Gathering inspiration for future output. I have been meaning to write about artist Siobhan McBride’s work for a while because there is something in her paintings that draws me in. On the surface they seem to be ordinary depictions of interior or landscape, but with any underlying note, something hidden that creates anticipation. Her artist statement explains,

“The moments I like to find are remote and still, familiar but oddly so. The landscapes are anxiously awaiting or blushing in the aftermath of an unseen event. They are descriptions of secret experiences, embarrassing feelings, passages from books I like, and things caught in the corner of my eye. I hope the work is strange and suspenseful like the excitement of exploring a new place, and the thrill of knowing you are drifting back into a frightening dream”

Take a peek:

She sells her pieces directly from her studio, Siobhan Mcbride or via her gallery, Projective City. Aren’t they lovely?

Hope your year is off to a good start and full of inspiration!

xoxo,

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Leftover Chicken Solution – Poblano Cream Sauce

January 2nd, 2012 · Food, Mexican Food

Chicken is a staple protein for my family, we have it ALL the time. But it can often be boring and bland, especially if you are trying to use up the leftovers the day after. So, since Mexican food is my FAVE, I used this Martha Stewart recipe to make Chicken with Poblano Cream Sauce to add a little spice to an otherwise ordinary dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 poblano chile
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Directions

Roast chile over a gas burner or under the broiler, until charred all over.
roasting poblano pepper
Wrap in paper towel; steam 5 minutes. Rub off skin; remove seeds and ribs. (Exercise caution as the pepper’s seeds burn your hands tremendously, use plastic gloves if possible). Chop coarsely.

Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a small saucepan over medium heat; add onion and garlic; cook until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Add chile and cream.

Puree in blender; add water if too thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve over leftover chicken or on the side.

The picture hardly does the flavor justice, my apologies. But this sauce truly makes over a chicken dinner.

Are any of you watching Bravo’s Top Chef Texas? I’ve caught it on and off, but watched the Austin episode recently. Maggie Furlong over at Huffington Post took the words right out of my mouth when she blasted Bravo for ruining Top Chef Texas. Padma Lakshmi’s ridiculous country get-ups and the Bigger is Better attitudes of the show make it almost too cheesy to watch. I said, almost, ya’ll.

¡Buen provecho!

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Return On InVESTment

December 30th, 2011 · Fashion

Ok, truth be told, this post has nothing to do with return on investment. Although, I would argue that a vest purchase really does yield a benefit higher than the cost of said vest. So, let’s move on to what I wore yesterday which was a beautiful and sunny winter day in Central Texas. Why? Because fashion is fun and should be shared. Right? Of course, dahling.

Details: Shirt-Harold’s, thrifted Vest-Old Navy, sale Jeans-Gap, straight leg Shoes-Kork Ease Bag-Hobo, gifted Sunglasses-thrifted

Occasion: work, errands, mini-date

I adore vests for their practicality and their Annie Hall style. This one in particular has pockets which sold me immediately. Not to mention it was less than $10. Word.

Shoes? I’m glad you asked, because I’ve wanted to wear these Kork Ease shoes everyday since I bought them. Gold toes! Cork! Jazz hands!

E and I are consciously trying new places and stopped at La Patisserie on W. Annie St.where we had iced tea and a champagne macaroon.

The place is cute with a country French appeal. Two large rockers outside provided a nice place to observe South Austin happenings and savor the macaroon. Confession: that was my first time to ever try one. Bourgeoisie am I.

La Patisserie is currently exhibiting art by Graham Francoise whose work I love for its whimsy and oddity. I’m sooo saving up. Wouldn’t this be so cute in a kid’s room?

Where was I? Oh yeah, fashion. Vests: do or don’t? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, definitely a DO.

au revoir,

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Milestone Christmas

December 29th, 2011 · Family, Personal Story

I have been typing and erasing, typing and erasing in an attempt to tackle how to write about Christmas and the season, etc. “Christmas is complicated.” So, too are families. That was the best I came up with after all this time!

This Christmas my family endured the absence of my boisterous, life of the party brother. We reveled in the joy of my girls and the magic of Santa Claus. It was a bittersweet Christmas, for sure.

When asked what her favorite song was from her Christmas pageant, my daughter said the one that goes “I am gonna stand up…and sing HALLELUJAH!” Her joy was apparent in her enthusiasm and hallelujah means praise.

But hallelujah’s definition also includes “an expression of relief.” That’s how I feel about making it past this milestone Christmas with our incomplete family. This Jeff Buckley song “Hallelujah” is one of my absolute favorites and is the definition of bittersweet.

“Well maybe there’s a God above
But all I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who’d out drew ya
And it’s not a cry that you hear at night
It’s not somebody who’s seen in the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah”

Beautiful.

Be back soon,

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Women Drivers: Life Lesson #1,000,007

December 16th, 2011 · Family, Personal Story, Ruminations

Life sometimes gives us the opportunity to confront our previously held beliefs. I was lambasted with a lesson during a trip to the grocery store.

While I was scrutinizing ingredients due to a foray into a gluten-free diet, my eldest daughter hummed songs to herself and danced with our shopping cart. Carried away by her internal tunes, she did not realize that a large man in an electric wheelchair was waiting for her to clear the path.

Quickly, I asked her to come stand by me to allow passage and apologized for her obstruction. This Hanes undershirt wearing, house slippered hulk of a man, said loudly, “Women drivers, they start out young!” as he buzzed past, intent no doubt on securing more sugar for his overflowing basket.

The comment coursed through me and with a bolt of fury, I sunk low and muttered, “asshole” and then looked quickly to be certain that my daughter had not heard my comment (she did not).  A fellow shopper took the time to comment that the man was incredibly rude and I appreciated the validation whole heartedly.

But what was interesting, to me-at least, was that two days prior, I had been watching a reality show with my husband that depicted eighteen wheeler drivers struggling to ascend a precipitous terrain. A platinum blonde, Harley Davidson t-shirt wearing, size 2, itty bitty thing of a woman was whipping the steering wheel back and forth and shoving the shifter with an expert grip. Without thinking, I snorted and asked derisively, “What is SHE doing trying to drive that thing?”

Oh my God! I immediately backpedaled and made amending remarks to my prejudiced statement. My internal feminist  ranted against my  question and challenged my perspective. Why shouldn’t she drive an eighteen wheeler? I was left disturbed by my blatent disregard for how things are today, in 2011, when females can hold positions normally designated for men.

I was raised with the belief that men and women held very distinct roles, which is one that I tried hard to modify when I struck out on my own. Honestly, I was surprised by my reaction. I was also surprised by the dichotomous anger I experienced when that jerkface said my child was a *gasp* a woman driver.

Guess it leaves me with some things to think about, huh? 

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