Ebb and Flow

“I have a sign above my desk that says, “Ebb and Flow…..don’t expend energy treading……find the wisdom to help you float….and be in the flow.”
May you find your flow dear sweet one ” ~Dora Locklear

I woke up feeling rather heavy today, sluggish, tired, blah. I've had an amazing few days where I have literally almost felt on top of the world. I've had energy, I've felt great, I've had some amazing conversations and connections with others… so the contrast felt abrupt. In a conversation with some very special ladies,Dora posted the above comment in support of another. Whoa. Ebb and Flow. This struck me like one of those “AHA!” moments. It’s ok when things slow down or get heavy. Just like all things, it’s part of the natural cycle. I was trying to force the euphoric feeling I have been blessed to have the last few days, rather than acknowledging that softness, quiet, ease… these are just as powerful when allowed, rather than trying to force a feeling that just isn't. I compare it the the high one feels when they initially fall in love, after a while the love deepens, the feelings transition into something more complex but that feels less intense on the surface. What has emerged is so much more beautiful. Ebb and flow…. today is a day for allowing, acceptance; and I have emerged with a deeper understanding of myself, a trust in the process, and faith that it always is just as it is meant to be.

Thank you, Dora for your beautiful inspiration this morning.

Transitions...

It seems as though my life is in constant transitions these days. I have moved, changed locations for my job, enrolled in college, and I no longer live alone. While at times this all seems a bit much and is a lot to adapt to, it also gives me the opportunity to take a fresh look at my life and see where I might want to make more changes and improvements, things I might want to let go to make room for more current goals and ideas, as well as what I might want in my future. My life is constantly evolving and me along with it. Nothing ever stays the same. The conflict comes when your life moves you forward, and you stay stuck in the past. This creates a state of limbo and makes it impossible for you to live in the present or move on to a future. Unfortunately, the past is the past, it's over. You can remain stuck there, but you can't really make a life there. Now is the time to let go and move on. For me, this means I want to recommit to my education. I also want to take more time to write and to cook; both of these outlets allow me to express me and my creativity. Cooking and writing are the pure essence of my soul. I incorporate myself into each task, I savor each moment and it is my hope that this shows in the finished product, whether it be a short story, an essay, even an email; or whether it be in a simple meal I have created for those I love and those who are visiting my home. What are you holding on to from the past that is preventing you from creating the future of your dreams? There are only so many hours in the day, make them count. 

Dehumanization Through Technology

With the advances in technology, we are able to keep in contact with more people on a more frequent basis. However; I’m not entirely convinced that technology is always the best mode of communication and I believe the “cyber world” is really starting to hurt us culturally as a people.


Not so long ago, the only method of communicating with family and friends was by writing or by visiting. There was something personal about that which has been lost. I am not talking about the nostalgia of receiving a carefully thought out, handwritten letter. I believe our subconscious thinks/feels differently when we sit down to our computers or cell phones to construct “text”. I believe our subconscious minds focus first on the medium, secondly on the message, and lastly on the recipient of the message. It is far easier to forget that the person on the receiving end is indeed a person and has thoughts and feelings of their own. When you sit down with paper and pen, it is easier to focus on what you want to say and to whom you’re saying it too. Part of that I believe is the effort it takes to write a handwritten letter as opposed to sitting down and rapidly typing a few words. Technology takes the personal out of that which ought to be personal. We focus more on the words on the screen than on the person. I have witnessed this on message boards, chats, emails, and in text messages. I think technology leaves us trapped in our heads, less in our hearts (feelings) and therefore detached from the recipient of the message. That is not to say that you cannot convey a personal message by means of technology. I am simply suggesting that it is less natural on a subconscious level to do so.

Argh! Pirates!!

The night was dark and the air was thick with rain. Thunder roared through the sky making the earth cower under its ominous boom. They had been at sea for days and Anne was feeling as restless as the turbulent sea below their vessel. A gust of wind blew through whipping wet strands of her long red hair against her cheeks making her face sting. Her face was flushed red from the cold salty air as she leaned against the stern looking into the blackness of the night. No stars were out and the moon was hidden beneath the storm clouds above. Squinting she peered into the dark waters, but nothing was to be seen except for the reflection from the ships lanterns on the water.

She could hear grumblings from the hands as they labored on the ships deck, belting out an age old chantey as they worked. Privateers and the British Army had been plaguing the seas making merchant ships scarce. There had been whispers that in Asia the trade was fresh and thriving. There would be plenty of ships carrying precious cargo that would fetch a nice coin purse. Anne knew she would need to satisfy the crew’s lust for gold soon. With out pay, she would no longer have the crew she needed to sail the “The Raven”.

She could hear the ship creak and moan as the Raven plowed through the stormy sea. They would need to anchor soon or run the risk of their ship being over taken by the thrashing waters. She could hear brisk footsteps approaching and turned to face her first mate Chadwick. She turned to meet his steely gaze.

“We stop here for the night”. Her voice cut through the night air and rang with authority. Her crew never once questioned her orders. In the beginning she had proved to be a mighty Captain and her prowess at sea had earned their respect. Her father had been a Captain on a large fishing vessel and she had grown up on these waters. She knew the ocean well and had seen their ship through many storms.

Chadwick’s gaze was cold and unwavering as he gave a slight nod. Anne looked over her first mate. His hair was dark with silver threads giving the only indication of his age. He was tall and his body thick from his years of laboring on ships. His skin was weathered from salt and sun and his eyes were dark and haunting. There was emptiness in those eyes, his face always void of expression.

Just then a flash of light streaked against the night sky as fingers of lightening clawed through the darkness. The storm was picking up, the waters would be rough until morning when the weather would grow weary and the sea would again grow quiet. It was going to be a long night for the crew. Storms like these were never easy on a ship. Many strong vessels had been consumed by the sea, sinking into the cold angry waters. The wind blew strong as the bitter rain pelted against her skin and already soaked clothing making it cling to her curvaceous figure. More than once she had caught her crew admiring her soft curves, but they knew her strength and had never crossed those boundaries. She was their Captain and she demanded respect! She may be a woman, but she would not think twice before slitting a man at the throat. They had witnessed fierce battles at sea and had watched her take on the biggest of Captains, only to take him down with out effort or remorse. She was, after all, a Pirate! And a bloody one at that!

Simply Salt?

The purpose of salt


The simplicity of salt makes it one of the most misunderstood and taken for granted ingredient in the spice cupboard. Its complexity is over looked and it’s often misused. I am here to demystify and debunk the notion that salt is anything but ordinary.

Once upon a time, there was a time when nobles ruled and peasants were tolerated. In those days salt was considered a prize spice. Tables were arranged in order of hierarchy. Salt and pepper were placed at the “head” of the table where the nobles were allowed to use salt and pepper (once the single most expensive spice in the world). Peasants were not allowed to use salt; they had to rely on herbs to flavor their food.

Interestingly, if the same social class restrictions were in place today, it would more than likely be the exact opposite. Have you perused the spice and herb isle at the supermarkets lately? Salt is practically free while the cost of herbs makes them somewhat a precious commodity, even though you can grow them in abundance in your very own windowsill or garden. Ironic, isn’t it?

Simply put, salt is a flavor enhancer. Just try cooking without it. Your dishes, whether they be savory or sweet will turn out flat without it. That being said, I also think that salt is one of the most misused ingredients in the kitchen. I have had my share of dishes that either had too much, or too little salt. It has a very direct impact on the flavor (and sometimes the texture!) of the dish. Because people have varying opinions on how salty they like their foods, its best to season well so that people can add salt if they desire while leaving the dish palatable for those who do not like as much salt.

I believe it is best to use unsalted ingredients whenever possible so that you can control how much salt ends up in a dish. This is also why it’s important to taste your food throughout the cooking process; season in layers and taste as you go.

Let’s look a little closer at cooking with salt. Just walk down the spice isle and you may find yourself in awe at the many different choices you have when purchasing salt. Kosher salt, canning salt, rock salt, table salt, or the French Fleur De Sel, just to name a few. I am not a fan of table salt. The only use I see for it is in baking. Most baking recipes do not take into account the difference in size granules of other salts. Table salt has a bitterer flavor than other salts. In other words, not good eats. While Fleur De Sel is so expensive that I would only use it for a “finishing salt” (salt that is used after cooking, like a garnish you can’t see).

Salt should be added early on in the cooking process. Salt (and pepper) added late in a dish may take on too harsh of a flavor. Salt binds the flavors together; helps them meld and blend while enhancing their inherent flavors. This is also why it’s important to properly salt the water when making pasta and rice; it’s the only opportunity you have to season these particular foods. They will not absorb flavors as well once they are cooked and as I mentioned earlier, they will taste flat. Salt perks up depth and complexity of dishes and baked goods while balancing flavors both sweet and savory.

This is just the bare basic essentials of salt. I have not even begun to share how wonderful and amazing this spice truly is. I have not touched on how it preserves food, how it can tenderize food, and other food science behind cooking with it. It’s so much more than just an afterthought or simple ingredient.

I hope I have inspired you to really think about the ingredients you use in the kitchen. There are entire books written solely on salt. It really is amazing and its uses are endless. I hope you take the time to explore the more intricate uses of salt in your own cooking.

Play with your food!!

If the divine creator has taken pains to give us delicious and exquisite things to eat, the least we can do is prepare them well and serve them with ceremony.
~Fernand Point

Passion

Passion

The word generally elicits an emotional response, as it should. You cannot have passion without feeling. Upon hearing the word, most people’s initial thoughts probably wander to the lusty activities that happen between two people in the bedroom. However; it pertains to so much more than that, and I am not referring to a threesome. ;-)

What I am talking about is life passion. What stirs your thoughts and gives you butterflies in your belly? What is it that gets you excited, energized and enthused?

For me passion, food and cooking all go hand in hand. I love taking simple foods combining them with a little magic and a little science to create something wonderful. I enjoy this process even more when I have someone to share it with. There is nothing like watching someone take a bite, close their eyes and “Mmmmm….” . That means I did something right.

I just recently watched Julie and Julia with a dear friend of mine. I loved that movie. I am so envious that she thought of the idea first of writing a yearlong blog on Julia Child’s recipes. What an adventure that must have been!! What a treat to try so many different dishes, recipes, things you would otherwise not cook or eat. That would be a lifelong growing experience. Something you would never forget.

Unfortunately, she did think of it first. Not to mention I live alone and there is no way I would ever tackle something like that without having someone to help me eat all that food!! Perhaps someday…. Until then, it’s always nice to think about.

Family Traditions

I have always loved family traditions. I didn’t really appreciate their importance until this year, when I will be alone through the Holidays. We moved away from family when my oldest daughter was first born. I had always been surrounded by family during the Holiday season and since that wasn’t going to be an option, I went straight to work on finding little things I could do for my own family to create traditions that would make our Holiday Season special. I quickly found that others gravitated towards my home during the Holidays; people who also did not have family to share the Season with. Now that I am on the other side of that, I can better appreciate what they must have been feeling when they came into my home looking for warmth and celebration. Every year the crowd that would surround us for the Holiday’s grew. Everyone was always welcome with open arms…so long as they brought an empty stomach! They would come early and stay late, and everyone was always stuffed by the time that dinner was ready. We were never short on laughter or room for those who wished to join us. I am missing all that this year. I am missing making the Holidays special for others who don’t have family to celebrate with. I am missing the warmth, the laughter, and the traditions. I am truly hoping that one day I can do that again. All the little things that I took for granted seem to have a greater significance now that I am not able to share the Holiday Spirit. Now, I am the one alone for the Holidays. When the day comes and I can once again build traditions and open my home, you can bet that I will be even more aware of those who do not have family during this time of year, and I will do everything I can to allow them to be a part of mine.