Tuesday, February 12, 2013
When God Shuts A Door, He Opens A Window
I know it is cliche but is a great saying...the window of promise and the glimmer of hope that helps you accept the closed door.
Today I put on my big girl panties. I wrote the goodbye text to seal the end of us. At the far recess of my heart and mind I hoped it wouldn't take, that there would be protests and pleas to take him back. It didn't happen. A relationship of tumultuous rollercoaster emotions. It had good and bad and was a learning lesson but it was a connection nonetheless. The response I got was a mature goodbye and the metaphorical slamming of the door on us.
What resulted in my heart and came out was a tumult of unexpected emotion. I had fallen in love. I hadn't really been able to admit it to myself but with the ominous end came the painful truth. I cried and cried and cried until my face looked like a swollen, mascara smeared, ugly mess.
I left work, went home and tried to sleep away the pain, but woke to the realization of what had happened and it started all over again.
This is my take away... pain makes us who we are. It is the refining fire that creates character and growth. I hate it and when going through it feels like death, but I know the result will be a better me, a more compassionate me and a stronger me.
...thank you pain for your life lessons
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A Resolution for 2012 - 365 Days of Writing
In 2012, my vow is write more. Inspired by all the creative bloggers out there and true success stories like Orangette, I want to better at something I have always been passionate about - the written word.
Things that make me excited: creativity in all forms, a plan, a fresh start, learning, fun facts, new recipes...oh geez, the list goes on.
So, based on all these passionate topics that get me excited, I want to share with the world a day at a time.
So, in a Julie and Julia-esque style, I want to begin 365 days (minus the 18 already past days in January as i am a little behind), of writing.
January 18th, 2012 - A New Recipe!
Cooking in this day and age is all about easy and fast. We are working women who juggle domesticity and professionalism. Coming home to the daunting task of cooking a meal can be the last thing you want to be faced with after a day full of challenges. Thanks to the myriad of mags, blogs and websites, recipes are a plenty. This one is no exception. A quick, nutritious, fast and tasty meal gleaned from the pages of one of my faves Real Simple magazine.
Portabella Quesadillas
8" tortillas
portabellas or baby bellas (cremini mushrooms)
Pepperjack cheese shredded
*medium shrimp uncooked - not in the recipe but added for extra protein
In non-stick pan with cooking spray place tortilla in bottom to brown. Add shredded pepperjack (1/3 cup per quesadilla), pan seared shrimp and mushrooms. Place second tortilla on top and spray top with cooking spray. In about 3 min. or when cheese is melted, flip quesadilla. Let brown an additional minute and then remove from heat and cut into fours.
Serve with napa slaw or like I did, a salad made with watermelon squares, sliced radish, scallion and salt and pepper. Fresh, flavorful and almost guilt free!
Things that make me excited: creativity in all forms, a plan, a fresh start, learning, fun facts, new recipes...oh geez, the list goes on.
So, based on all these passionate topics that get me excited, I want to share with the world a day at a time.
So, in a Julie and Julia-esque style, I want to begin 365 days (minus the 18 already past days in January as i am a little behind), of writing.
January 18th, 2012 - A New Recipe!
Cooking in this day and age is all about easy and fast. We are working women who juggle domesticity and professionalism. Coming home to the daunting task of cooking a meal can be the last thing you want to be faced with after a day full of challenges. Thanks to the myriad of mags, blogs and websites, recipes are a plenty. This one is no exception. A quick, nutritious, fast and tasty meal gleaned from the pages of one of my faves Real Simple magazine.
Portabella Quesadillas
8" tortillas
portabellas or baby bellas (cremini mushrooms)
Pepperjack cheese shredded
*medium shrimp uncooked - not in the recipe but added for extra protein
In non-stick pan with cooking spray place tortilla in bottom to brown. Add shredded pepperjack (1/3 cup per quesadilla), pan seared shrimp and mushrooms. Place second tortilla on top and spray top with cooking spray. In about 3 min. or when cheese is melted, flip quesadilla. Let brown an additional minute and then remove from heat and cut into fours.
Serve with napa slaw or like I did, a salad made with watermelon squares, sliced radish, scallion and salt and pepper. Fresh, flavorful and almost guilt free!
Friday, September 16, 2011
New Beginnings...
I cringe to look and see when my last blog was post...almost a year ago. What happened? Life I guess. Not really an excuse, but the innercore of my being always comes back to the written word as it is the fumes that keep me going.
They say that artists are tempermental and always on again off again. I can relate to that. However, with a recent rejuventation of culture, company and encouragement, I am off again with head held high and spirits soaring ready to run like mad until I stumble and fall flat on my face :).
They say that artists are tempermental and always on again off again. I can relate to that. However, with a recent rejuventation of culture, company and encouragement, I am off again with head held high and spirits soaring ready to run like mad until I stumble and fall flat on my face :).
photo by newamsterdam.etsy.com
So, this is about new beginnings. With that a new blog is in the works that I am very excited to start - sneak preview "Betsy and Me" will be about black and white classic films, vintage fashion and foodiness. Super coolness. I hope you will follow me, encourage me, criticize and comment. That is what I need so don't hesitate.
In closing, I want to send out my own words of encouragement to the masses. Be who you are and never apologize for trying no matter how many times you fail. That is how greatness is born.
Your friend in pen~Ecrivain Attempts
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
All the Doxie Lovers in the House Put Your Hands Up
So, I have been a long hiatus from blogging. Life has been full of... well life. One thing that helps me get through the day despite of how busy life gets are my two doxies - Flo and Bunsen.
I have to say I have kind of an obsession with weiner dogs. They have a comical physicality and a big personality. They are madly loyal, fiercly stubborn, and super entertaining. My black and tan Flo loves to play fetch which is an endearing and annoying characteristic. She will never stop chasing the ball and bringing it back to you, nudging the ball with her nose and making growly noises if no immediate response is given. Recently, I learned of Picasso's faithful friend 'Lump' a mini dashchund who came into his possession by accident. The story is heartwarming and goes to show sometimes your best friend is a furry funny looking little friend. Enjoy some doxie inspired items from Etsy sellers~
Friday, October 23, 2009
Julie & Julia - the search for a creative outlet
The recent film "Julie & Julia" didn't get very favorable reviews, so for me there was no rush to see it. After coaxing from my mother, we went and saw it and was pleasantly surprised by a fresh and thoughtful film. So, why was the movie not well received? Hmm... can't really bother to wonder about that, but it could be two things - lack of viewer imagination and cultural perspective.
Falling under the category of day dreamer, this film was right up my alley. Having lived in France for a short 6 month stint as a nanny in the heart of Paris, I know first hand of the romantic charm this la vie en rose holds. If there could be two things that would fall under "wildest dreams," I would say it would be to live abroad and do something I love and make money at it. As this film illustrates, day dreamers can be believers if there is enough discipline, fortitude and patience to sustain the wait. Look at Julia! She waited over a decade to be published, but she never lost sight of her goal and dream to translate the art of French gastronomy to the everyday American housewives who had no idea of such cuisine.
The trials and tribulations of dreamers was endearing and whimsical. I was routing them both on the whole way and jealously wishing I could blog like Julie's character and get a cookbook published... you never know.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Don't Ration Your Passion
I think blogging is a lifesaver for those who like the creative process, but aren't necessarily brilliant writers like myself. It is a way to purge the mind of negative energy and get it out there, whether or not anyone is reading it. I guess that is why I named my blog 'ecrivain attempts' as that is what it really is... attempts to be a writer. You can really enjoy doing something and appreciate those who do it well, but how do you get to be that person who could actually make a living doing that thing you love? I ask myself that almost every day when the job that pays the bills does only that, pays the bills and doesn't provide anything else. When Chef Gordan Ramsey on "Hell's Kitchen" says you have to have passion in the kitchen and not merely technique and be quick on your feet, he is saying that he can see the ones who love it and the ones who are going through the motions. Going through the motions is a numbing process. Passion is something that needs to be ignited when what you love gets buried under all the things you don't love at all, but you have to pretend to care about in order to keep your head above water.
So, my question that I leave you with is, can you try to get passionate about something in your life? It may not put bread on the table or be recognized, but try to do it well or make a point of throwing yourself into something that actually brings meaning to life and starts to bring back the tingles that reminds you that living isn't that bad after all.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Summer Wanderlust
After a long winter cooped up with no where to go, when the good weather comes it is exhilarating like you have been reborn. I like to call it the ' creative hiatus' because I am too distracted to focus on things like writing. I miss it, but with long days where the sun is out until 9PM, long walks and sitting on the patio and breathing in fresh air is so appealing.
One of my favorite things about summer is the farmer's market. Every Thursday I take a trip to my local outdoor market to enjoy all the sights and sensory experiences offered. A farmer's market isn't just vegetables - this is a place for the community and intrepenurial of heart to try their hand at selling unique goods. Some of the variety includes homemade cheeses, salsas, candy and even organic soaps and fragrances. Although the same vendors are there every week, it is comforting to visit the favorite stalls for home baked bread and freshly popped kettle corn.
A definite change of culture has come about with a return to smaller venues be it restaurants or grocery stores like Trader Joes and community co-ops. Most of all an appreciation of fresh, small batched food stuffs. To me, this is such a change for the better. Food becomes culture and community and not just mass produced items in warehouse sized grocery stores. To me, every Thursday is a highlight to my week. I know I will share the experience with a close friend and get some fresh air while shopping at my leisure for wholesome, carefully produced products.
To Farmer's Markets and A simpler way of life which is a sort of Joie de vivre.
