Happy New Year

I do have some thoughts to share which I jotted down while reading Susan Sontag's "On Photography" at breakfast the other morning. But have to leave for new year's dinner with friends, and thought, given the topic of her book, these might be appropriate. So for now, here's some eye candy I took on the way back from Christmas. You can have alot of fun...and look really weird...wildly gesturing while taking pics  with your iphone. These were of a bunch of christmas trees with lights in a store window...thankfully the police didn't come by...

  

Hope you all have a happy and save New Year!

Whew!

Morning buns from Tartine...check.

Car picked up from garage...check.

Pecan turtle smores assembled...check.

Thought I'd show all three stages...grahams, caramel added, marshmallow added, chocolate and pecans added (ok, maybe there are four...chocolate, then pecans, but that's not the way I set up the shot). Not to pat myself on the back too hard...but these ROCK!  :-)  Glad I have to leave for my sister's so I don't end up in a sugar coma on the couch.

Driveby postings for Monday and Tuesday

I wanted to at least jot down a few thoughts...

On Monday I discovered that it is not good for my mental health to sit and watch three (or four, I lost count) consecutive episodes of Intervention on A&E. You slowly begin to believe that you are an addict as the horrible reality of these people begins to permeate you. Ugh. Had to get outside and breathe some fresh air and settle back into my life.

So I dropped off my car last night to have the ignition switch replaced. Found out today that it will be $370...they have to get the switch and then have it rekeyed so that it will match my original door keys. While I was hoping that it would be less, I still return to being SO thankful that it is only that and that I do still have my car.

I finally decided, after MUCH cookbook and online research to make a holiday treat that is way too complicated. The recipe for graham cracker cookies (sort of like ginger cookies but without all the spice), let to a marshmallow recipe, which led to a fluer du sel caramel recipe. So of course I had to decide to layer all those, and throw in some toasted pecans and drizzle with dark chocolate.

Needed some ingredients so decided to take a walk, get some coffee, and ended up heading towards Rainbow Grocery. On the way I passed a small side street with some nice looking older houses and the sun streaming down it. Began to pass it but was compelled to turn around and walk down it. Nice crisp gusts of winter breeze...warm, yet cool, winter sun...and then the reason for walking down the street...

Brilliant green, yellow, oranges...golden hairs glowing...heads on serpentine necks bobbing occasionally in the breeze. All this combined with the crispness in the air...somehow it all just made sense in that moment. The world is a wonderful place, full of wonderful moments if we just take the time to listen and to see them.

Need to learn not to leave the house without my real camera...but thank goodness for the one in my iphone. I got a video clip of it, but it needs some editing down. Will be fun to try that, but NOT now...do need to get a little sleep tonight.


So I ended up getting most of the ingredients. Had to make another trip for gelatin and corn syrup as those aren't on the vegetarian/wholesome shelves at Rainbow. And then realized I had broken my candy thermometer awhile back so had to take another quick trip (on BART as I don't have my car repaired yet).

Pretty much everything came off without a hitch. The only part yet photographed is the graham cracker cookies. But they still have to be assembled tomorrow.

And I have to go to Tartine Bakery (truly an experience if you have never been) for morning buns. My welcome at my sister's house would be much less enthusiastic if I were to show up without the morning buns. Were it not almost 3am I could wax poetic about all the goodies there. But will leave that for another day.

Will try to get another post, including my finished confectionary masterpieces, before Christmas.

Night for now.

Never a dull moment

I'll have to catch up on some less pressing thoughts later...for now I need to post an update about my car being stolen...yes, stolen! Oy! I last drove my car Thursday night and needed it late this afternoon. I looked in the couple spots I thought I parked it and then just had to take a cab. When I got back I decided to do a walk around the neighborhood to make sure I hadn't just missed it in my earlier haste. After carefully walking all 8 blocks that comprise my normal parking area I decided to call city tow. No record. For some reason I thought of looking on the Transit Authority site to see if there were any tickets posted...and there was one for $303.

Thinking maybe this was related to towing I called the towing number again. After I had them look into the ticket, they discovered it was for parking in a handicap zone in front of 333 Valencia, down between 14th and 15th. A quick 6 block cab ride confirmed my car was indeed still parked in the handicap zone and NOT TRASHED! It had definitely been gone through.  Would it be better to just leave a $20 under the wiper blade with a note asking potential thieves to just take a cab?! I will need a new starter as they apparently used a screwdriver or something to jam the ignition. ..but I am SO thankful that I still have my car.

So I called the police to come and make a report. Don't want to be stuck paying for a $303 ticket. After waiting for 20 minutes, in front of the projects...not nicest section of Valencia, I callend them back. Sorry, busy night. After walking all those blocks in a hurry and the adrenaline of (losing and) finding my car, I was starving. I was a half block from Little Star Pizza, so called the police dispatch back and asked that they call my cell when they arrived.

Ahhh, amazing what a frosty pint of Boont Amber Ale, a pesto Green Goddess salad with radishes and slivered toasted almonds, and a deep dish Spicy BBQ Chicken pizza with roasted tomatoes, carmelized red onions, cilantro and a crispy cornmeal crust can do for your mood. The guy and woman/gal/girl (what is the right term for someone probably in her mid to late 20's?) behind the bar took great care of me...and were very nice to chat with. Must work on remember to ask (and then remember) people's names.

Unfortunately in the low light, the photos of the salad and pizza just don't convey their deliciousness sufficiently to warrant posting...you'll just have to take my word for it...or on second thought, just go to Little Star yourself.

I expected to be called away as soon as the pizza arrived. But I finished the salad, pizza (and second ale) and called dispatch yet again. Still pending. I told the woman on the phone that the Valencia St Projects (while much nicer than the old ones) were not the best place to hang out in front of on a rainy night...and hoped not to be calling her back to report being held up. She expedited the car, and what to my wondering eyes should appear...but two of the hottest of SF's finest I've ever seen. Officer Trujillo (latin, shaved head, very handsome, and really a nice guy) helped me out while his taller, all-american, corn-fed partner waited to the side. The thought of suggesting a strip search only briefly came to mind. But seriously, thanks guys, I appreciate your help.

But I digress, there were many ways to look at and react to having my car stolen. I really do think this past week changed how I reacted. I really didn't freak out. I just thought it would be a bummer to start off my first week of not working by losing my car. It was odd, and nice, to just move through it....have a nice dinner...and come away not all bent out of shape, but just grateful to still have my car. Would I rather not have to replace my starter...sure. But I'm really happy there is a starter still to replace.  :-)  Again...perspective is an interesting thing. Somehow I think this theme will be revisited again.

Addendum to First Monday of Freedom...Irony and Truth

I just downloaded this photo from my phone which reminded me that I hadn't written about it. Dolores Park Cafe...had just sat down at the table with my coffee (before the conversation with the photographer), opened my copy of bon appetit and came to this full spread ad...

You're kidding, right? Anyone who says the universe doesn't have a sense of humor, just isn't paying attention. I literally laughed out loud. Wells Fargo...with me when I need help designing my future. OMG. Well, after the initial and quite obvious irony, I realized that that was in fact true. They did help me start down this new path...and will be with me along the way, funding this time of discovery and evolution. Interesting how irony and truth can coexist. Perspective is an interesting thing.

Random Saturday Thoughts

One nice thing about being off of work is not having to jump out of bed...it has been amazing to just lie in bed and enjoy waking up slowly in warm, soft flannel sheets.

Last year I bought some of THE most amazing flannel sheets, so soft and thick they are almost like felt. If you don't have any flannel sheets or yours have worn thin and all nubby, check out Pinzon 200 Gram Supima Velvet Flannel Sheet Set on Amazon (the 190 gram are just as nice). And while you might not be able to lounge in bed on a weekday...you'll appreciate them every night and every morning. Mmmm...simple pleasures.

An interesting change I've been noticing this week is the days of the week have been losing much of their meaning. I've caught glimpses of this while on a longer vacation, but I think this is going to be different. Friends are really what are maintaining some meaning to the days of the week for now.

Nice going with Brent and Wayne to Friday happy hour after a week of nothing, rather than a week of crazy work. As we were leaving the bar there was a guy (Steve Taylor) playing piano and singing on the corner. I had seen him recently over on 4th street in Berkeley (afternoon sun and him playing early Elton John was quite a combo). He is clearly talented and loves doing what he's doing...felt good to buy his CD and support that. Really like a few of the songs...but think I most enjoy the Elton John and James Taylor songs on the piano on the street. If you see him out, take a few minutes to stop, listen and enjoy.

So I'm sure some of you will notice some inconsistency in type sizes between the first and subsequent posts. Not sure what is going on with Bloggers templates, but can't make them match. After several frustrating tries, a novel thought occurred to me. WHO CARES??!!! LOL...seriously laughing as I type this. Another of those small lessons the universe tossed my way to see if I was paying attention. Coming from a work environment with an anal, if inconsistent, attention to minute details, it is giving me a scary amount of pleasure to see MY blog have some inconsistencies. In fact, I think I may add a few more in for good measure! 

And with that lovely thought it is time to wander down 24th Street to Dynamo Donuts and get some caffeine and a maple, apple, bacon doughnut. Does my Applecare cover drool? Hope so. And don't knock it til you've tried it. SOOOO good. I'll have to wear my "I love you more than bacon" pin that my friend Tracy gave me at drinks on my last night of work.












As you can see, my mission was accomplished. I swear those are my favorite donuts of all time. And yes, when I left the plate was clean.

A few firsts

So this is my first posting using my iPhone. Yes there's an app for that. We'll see if it actually makes it up and what it looks like.

And this morning I turned down my first job. Think it was a test from the universe to see if I really do want this break...and I passed. The contract position with Wells actually did sound interesting, but in Karen Carpenter's immortal words "we've only just begun" (young 'uns just look it up on iTunes). I'm not sure about the white lace and promises, but am accepting applications and trial runs on the kiss for luck. ;-)

Anyway, glad I made the connection on that job and we'll see about it next year. It did feel a little weird to say no, but I'm sure I'll learn to say it with more finesse as this new life continues.

So I went to Mission Beach Cafe yesterday for a late lunch. YUM!! Both to the amazing food and my adorable waiter Dave. But wtf was there a line for at 2pm? Who ARE all these slackers? Ok, ok...other slackers. I just didn't expect a line in the middle of the afternoon in my new life. Yes, a reminder to slow down and enjoy the scenery (Dave included).

On my walk back home I stumbled across a newly opened Mission treasure, Ancient Artifacts on Valencia btw 14th and 15th. Lots of ecclectic decorative objects, some furniture, art... I mean, who knew I needed 3 pieces of hand decorated paper that are old kimono designs, and an old Japanese iron "cage"/string dispensor, and not one but three books from the 1900s. So much for my committment to less stuff.

And then a few doors down this was the shadow on the wall. A very likely candidate for a last minute, or next year's, holiday card.



Just finished a spinach, mushroom (will need to id in my new books) and pesto scramble at Boogaloo's. Probably shouldn't take up the table any longer since there is yet another line of other slackers waiting for a table, and it is time to tackle/excavate/clean my kitchen. It can be ignored no longer.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 2

Another relaxing day. No alarm clock. Quality couch time. Not sure how, but the other day I ran across an interesting local food group, 18 Reasons. Looks like they sponsor a fair amount of events and I have added them to my new life list of things to do. Saw a link to Omnivore Books, a store devoted to both old and new books on all things food. I decided to take a walk over in the afternoon...yes, a slow one.


WOW...an amazing store...I spent over an hour and need MUCH more time there. If you're into cookbooks, check them out...they are a local business very worthy of your business.


The walk home was even slower than the walk there. I know when I've been to Europe that I really liked walking...but it always seemed different than walking at home. That difference seems to be disappearing. It is so nice not having to rush to get anywhere. No schedule. Nothing but enjoying the moment.


We'll see how all this applies to washing dishes tomorrow. Really do need to start the house cleaning that accumulated during this last stretch of time, being in limbo at work.

First Monday of Freedom

Mmmm...relaxing beginning. NOT setting the alarm and sleeping late. Quality time on the couch with my cat and daytime TV. Really Martha, FIVE cups of cream in the brioche bread pudding? Bet it rocked.


Walked to Dolores Park Cafe for a little food and a lotta coffee. Two people with cameras sat at the table next to me. The one started shooting the salt and pepper shakers and small vase of flowers on his table while the other person was in line. Shot after shot...slight rearrangements of those three items.  I leaned over and asked if they were off for a day of shooting. (Yes.) And I added that no one, who isn't a photographer, can know how much there is to see when you start really looking and shooting shots. (Laughing agreement.)


Interesting how this continues from my first post...walking home in the rain, slowly, really taking it all in. With a camera, when you start looking at a shot, reality shifts...or maybe more accurately, you perception of it shifts. There are SO many, infinite shots in that one frame...so many slight adjustments, angles.


So the starting point is a hurried four block walk from my house to Bart, and the reverse. Then I took the same walk in the rain, after my last night at work, but much more slowly and started to see SO much more. I was able to see that amazingly beautiful moment with the guy talking to the older homeless guy. So if I slow it down even more, how many individual moments, or shots, are in the four blocks from Bart to my house?


Capped the day off with a trip to the Kabuki Spa communal baths. Spent a couple hours rotating between the dry sauna, whirl pool, and steam room. Soooo relaxing. Good smells, cucumber and lemon water. It can take a little getting used to if you haven't been to a clothing optional spa before. But if you haven't been, GO.  :-)  Can't think of a better way to spend $20 on yourself.

Posting for Sunday, December 13, 2009

I know that first post was a long one...so this one will be brief. 

Went in to the office on Sunday to finish going through my email, and to get any last files for my portfolio. Ugh...was there WAY too long. It takes longer than you'd think to go through over five years of "stuff".

Had to pause a moment, after leaving my keycard in my boss' desk drawer, knowing I couldn't go back in once the door shut. Got outside, breathed deeply, and felt free.

Last day at work

My last day at work. I am finally done. After six months of being in limbo, knowing that I was going to lose my job, what a feeling...such a profound peace. After drinks with a few people and a stop at an agency's holiday party, I'm not sure if I have ever walked slower and enjoyed every minute as much as I did on that walk home in the rain. Amazing how much power and beauty there was in the walk that I've done almost every day for the past 5 years. I've had glimpses, but nothing like this.

If that wasn't enough, which it was, I noticed a guy on the sidewalk talking to an older homeless man. His intensity caught my attention. I realized that I had seen him before, on Market St across from my office, talking to a woman in a wheelchair. Such focus, attention, caring...love....such amazing energy from anyone, much less someone probably not much past 30 at most.

So I stood and watched him again. So struck by his spirit. I finally caught a minute with him. Apparently he had done a reading at a club there. I told him I'd seen him on Market. I asked what he was doing...and said how profoundly his caring struck me. He said he had grown up in homeless shelters. He said because of that he is always giving and has had a hard time keeping anything for himself. He's involved in an online literary/culture site... therumpus.net. He said they need writers...and for me to write about my most recent and favorite book. I'll be exploring that site more soon.

Anyway...I walked home in tears from how profoundly he struck me. If everyone could look at their own friends and family, much less homeless strangers on the street, with such focus and caring, the world would be healed.

If this first night away from work is any sign about what is to come, which it most definitely was, I am in awe. So humbling how one small moment could teach me how much I have to learn...and how important it is to pay attention and be present...always.