Steve's New Life

Which came first?

2010-02-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

Just a few "nuggets" of info regarding chickens...and eggs. Wow, did I really just write that?

I've read a bit about eggs and the conditions that many chickens are raised in. And of course there was the almost overly informative Food Inc. If you haven't seen it yet, get thee to a video store, or put it on the top of your Netflix.

I've bought eggs at Rainbow market many times. They have a chart showing lots of info about the farms whose eggs they carry. It contains items like, organic feed, kept in cages, which are fairly obvious in their "goodness" and "badness" respectively. But then there are some things which aren't so obvious, like beak clipping. I realized I really don't know anything about it...and maybe it isn't such a bad thing. Anyway, I wanted to know more before passing judgement as almost all the egg producers do this (not that numbers make it right).

So one day last week I was looking at a couple of online organic grocery delivery sites and wanted to find out more about the egg, poultry and other meat products they carried. (Yes, for those of you who lived through the dot com/bomb era, they're trying grocery delivery again, with an organic spin this time.) I started looking up a bunch of farm and ranch sites...it was fascinating. Once the weather is better I'm going to go on few tours. Judy's was one of the sites I looked up, I've seen her eggs in several stores, and decided to send an email with some questions. A few days later I got a response...from Judy herself no less (at least that's what I'd like to believe).

My email:
I saw a chart recently that showed that you clip your chicken's beaks. I thought I would go to the source for this info rather than relying on someone else's chart.
Do you clip their beaks? If so, why? Is it because they are kept inside and get more agitated that way?
If they are kept inside in houses, how much room does the average chicken have? I have seen pictures, etc that show hen houses where they hardly have any room. I'd like to know about the conditions your chickens are kept in.
Thanks so much for your time.

"Her" response:
Steve,

We nip our chickens top beak at 8 days old. The veterinarian states it is no different than trimming a dogs nails. We do this because chickens are cannibalistic regardless of their living conditions. You can see them pecking on each other at one day old. We tried not doing it and lost too many to cannibalism. Our chickens enjoy large, open-sided barns with curtains. This allows natural sunlight in and we roll up curtains if the weather is too cold. The chickens are free to roam the building, nest, roost, or fly up in the rafters if they want. The chickens do not go outdoors because of the threat of disease from migratory birds, predators, and salmonella. Rodents are the number one carriers of salmonella. We are in the process of updating our website to include pictures of our ranch and chickens.

Judy

I'll be interested to see the pictures they post. This sounds fairly reasonable, but would chickens have survived as a species if they killed each other off on a regular basis? Survival of the fittest is one thing. Now, are these the absolute best conditions chickens can be raised in? No. But it really doesn't sound bad. I say no, because of a couple other sites I saw. Marin Sun Farms is one that looks amazing. Check out this video...can you help but smile?

Which leads to my next step in chicken education...a chicken raising class. I just got my 18 Reasons (a local food group started by Bi-Rite Market) newsletter this morning. I bought a ticket for an informational session on raising chickens. Sould Food Farms is presenting...looks like they sell chicken and eggs at the Ferry Building and at several farmer's markets. I'll be very interested to hear what they have to say...and of course, I'll be asking my same questions about beak clipping. I think one of my next avenues of exploration and education will be the vendors at Farmer's Markets. I just don't trust some of them, so I'm going to start taking names and doing some research.

Some day I'd LOVE to have chickens. When I was home seeing my parents last week, I visited some friends from high school. They live outside of Salinas, basically on a Martha Stewart set. Their house/compound was amazing! Paul is a wood worker and has a huge workshop where he does beautiful work. Rori is a homemaker in the highest degree. She has a quilting and sewing studio off the house. She's going to be starting a business making quilted scarves out of scrap wool. The one she showed me was beautiful. (I'll let you know when you can order one.) And yes, they have a chicken coop. I know it would take work...and you'd have to clean up the shit...but it looks so fulfilling to go out and get fresh eggs and have chickens clucking around the yard. And they got along with the veritable herd of cats they have.

Who BUT someone unemployed has time to do all of this? I had been thinking about this before leaving Wells...it really seems like there is a void to be filled...for a company who can aggregate information about food, and farms, and food sites, etc., and actually put up some information and comparison so people can more easily decide what is important to them about the food they eat. I'd think they farms would be behind something like that. Hmmm...we'll see what comes of that idea...and please email me if you have any thoughts in that direction.

Do my chickens need to have gold plated roosts? Is it good for them to be outside all the time if they could be? And which DID come first...?

I love this city!

2010-02-08T23:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to the monthly Rumpus at the Makeout Room, just over on 22nd St. I mentioned therumpus.net in my very first posting. They are an online magazine focused on culture vs. pop culture. They have a monthly event called, strangely enough, the Monthly Rumpus. And for any of you who remember the details of my post, there was this guy I saw twice talking to homeless people, with the most shining, loving, focused look on his face. Stopping and talking to him on the way home from my last day of work was the only reason I knew about The Rumpus. He is their only "paid" employee. Tonight was his birthday, and a benefit...which is how he gets paid.

I love this city and the Mission in particular. There's a coffee shop/bar a couple blocks from my house that regularly has great live music...often classical or jazz. And then there's an event like tonight's. It seemed a new incarnation of the variety show concept.

There were several authors who read excerpts from their books: Tony Dushane, Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk; Kevin Sampsell, A Common Pornography (very funny about his growing up in rural WA); Ethan Watters who was just on the Daily Show being interviewed about his book, Crazy Like Us, The Globalization of the American Psyche (yeah, a different level of smarts in that one); Robin Ekiss, a poet...I'm not the biggest fan ever of a lot of poetry, but I LOVED hers and am going to buy her book, The Mansion of Happiness; and last but definitely not least was Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket, whose smart humor reminded me of witty pens like Augusten Burroughs and David Sedaris...he has definitely gone on my "to read" list.

They were interspersed with a couple musical and humorous acts, but the "shining" moment, literally, was a hoopdance by Richard Porter. A guy with bleach blonde hair, in tight striped pants, dancing with glowing hoola hoops to Cirque du Soleil-esque music. SOOO COOL!...or should I say "sick"?

I linked to his profile, but check out the rest of his and his performance partner's site. I didn't know there was something called hooping, or that it has an international following and community, or that there could be instructional classes, much less a DVD, or that there are Hoopie awards. I know I saw Michelle Obama do a little hoola hooping, but that is nothing compared to this!

This seemed like a natural progression for my bending light series of photos. IF ONLY I had thought to switch modes and take a video of this! Ah well, this is all a learning experience.

So sign up for their email and join me at the next one. I'd love some company next month.

My next new outing is a walk in Golden Gate Park (and probably the beach as well) on Saturday with forageSF. I'm not sure I'm ready to start scarfing down edibles from the wilds of SF, but I think it'll be a really interesting time learning about what is edible in the area and actually seeing where it grows. And I'm sure there'll be some good pics to post as well. More to come...

Sunday's Gingerbread Pancakes

2010-01-24T13:34:00.000-08:00

Actually it was Sunday before last...but just hadn't posted this. So I'm cheating and rolling back the posting date.

Awhile ago I bought a gingerbread cookbook by Chronicle Books. I LOVE their books...beautiful photography, interesting collections. I've been wanting to make one of the pancake or waffle recipes and last night I was looking through it. The one whole wheat recipe needed to sit overnight, so at about 12:30 I made the batter...whole wheat flour, lots of spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg), I added some crystalized ginger, dark brown sugar (not alot), orange zest. That is one of the few times I've made a breakfast dish ahead. It was SO nice to get up, make some coffee and just heat up the griddle. I had the first plate (with a little pumpkin butter and maple syrup, YUM) and then realized I hadn't taken a pic. But I still needed to make the rest of them...will have to see how they reheat after being frozen. And since it didn't look right without syrup, I had to eat these as well (what I sacrifice for the shot!)...also really good with pecans and more ginger.

And two quick musical notes (ha)...

I had mentioned Steve Taylor before...plays piano (and a whole bunch of other instruments) and can sound like Elton John. Well, he has a new album and preview of songs...really good! Can't wait for the album.

Also, the site his preview is on is great. Chasing The Moon. The currently featured artist, Kacey Johansing is really interesting. This site does a great job of featuring artists...great filming, great sound quality.

"Being alive is art itself."

2010-01-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

I know I promised (both my few random readers, and myself) to follow up on my experience down in Big Sur...and I'm going to. But I really need to dive back into my book and the passages I highlighted and my journal and process it more.

But for now...yesterday I decided it was time for a more cultural experience and decided to go to a matinee of Avatar. ;-) I went at 1:15 to the IMAX 3D and it was sold out all day. Again I say...WHO ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE??? In this case it seemed like an entire school (what age? I don't know, I'm too old to tell) was at the Metreon. Uhhh...these lawless youngsters need to make some room for their unemployed elders.

So I walked through the Yerba Buena Gardens (they really did a nice job on this space) and had a pot of green tea at Samovar Tea Lounge. If you like tea at all and haven't been to one their locations, treat yourself sometime soon. They have some nice lighter food; the tea soup is great.

Then I walked by the Yerba Buena Center which I haven't been to in forever. Decided this was the universe telling me it really was time for a more cultural experience and walked through their show, When lives become form: contemporary brazilian art, 1960's to present. My title quote is from Helio Oiticia, from the show. His mural is adorning the front windows of YBC.

Such wonderful colors, and the transparency...some pieces are more translucent and others clearer.

The show is a nice mix of photography, painting, sculpture, mixed media, film, music...ya get the picture. Just a few hightlights...
- sculpture composed of fruits and veggies cast, then I think made of some type of paper-based material painted to look like bronze
- a couple photos by Lucia Koch, one looking up at the sky out of a corrugated light bulb box...I thought it was more of an abstract at first, very cool
- a video of a japanese designer's fashion show who made dresses out of organic paper with intricate laser cutouts, then at the end of the show, all the models shredded their dresses on the runway (they had black leggings and tops on underneath)...caused quite a stir
- a music video of Fernanda Takai (did a couple quick searches and she's not available in the U.S. iTunes store, I'll be trying the latin music store on Mission today)...she's a contemporary singer with a wonderful voice. I've come to the conclusion that if I were straight, I'd be with a brazilian woman (Fernanda's voice inspires me, not especially her looks)...something about their spark, accent... yes, for those of know me I have a proclivity towards latin men as well

For $7 the show was well worth it.

So I had some fun with my iphone camera on the way out down the staircase shown above with the window mural in the general direction of the christmas light swirls I posted before. I think I'm going to work on a series and call it something like Bending Reality...or Bending Light and Form...more to come on that.

So much fun. I love the spontaneity ...not knowing what will appear. I guess that got me in the mood to wave my iphone around more, so I stopped after I left at the "corrugated" metal wall of the YBC. I was amazed at what came from those 15 minutes "gesturing"...

Liquid Reality? Whatever I call it, I'm loving taking these images. To this point I had only tried lights at night...this opens up a whole new world. Now I need to try printing them larger to see what the 3mp iphone images do when blown up.

I love how true Helio's quote is...life really is art. Happy Saturday everyone!

Creamy Potato, Cauliflower and Leek Soup...and Chet Baker

2010-01-12T00:06:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to make soup...something in the potato and leek direction...but also been craving pureed and/or roasted cauliflower. So to save time and possibly increase the pleasure I decided to combine the two.

If you're interested in the details of the soup keep on reading, if not, just skip the next big chunk...

Here comes my stream-of-consciousness, don't-have-to-think-too-hard list of ingredients and prep steps combined: sauteed chopped 3 leeks, 1 onion, 1 fennel bulb in olive oil and butter until soft, then about a half cup of vermouth and then a carton of low sodium chicken stock...added as I finished chopping them, a carrot, button mushrooms, a small head of cauliflower and four russet potatoes (I was going to add a little more variety here, but didn't like the look of the other potato choices at the corner market, and they didn't have parnips), and three bay leaves (not chopped)...when they were done I added a couple scoops of mascarpone cheese and sour cream (left over from the weekend's mushroom gravy), a few glugs of buttermilk, a few slices of New Zealand grass-fed sharp cheddar I have from Trader Joe's (really good), a little grated parmesan, maybe a teaspoon of thyme, salt and pepper...and then pureed with the new Cuisinart stainless immersion blender I got from my sister for Christmas (thanks Carol!). It works great...I started and then realized I hadn't taken out the bay leaves...only two came out. Oops!, but that last one was totally gone. Then I tasted to figure out what it needed, after opening and sniffing quite a few bottles, I added a decent splash of aged sherry vinegar, maybe a half teaspoon of allspice and another of fresh grated nutmeg, and just a little chopped parsley. Served mine with a sprinkle of truffle salt on top.

OMG...that soup was soooo good...just what I was craving and more! And yes, I actually remembered to take a few pics before my bowl was gone.

While I was cooking, and eating, I was listening to a couple Chet Baker albums I recently got from iTunes. I'd heard his name before, but never really, at least knowingly, listened to him. What an amazing, and belated, jazz discovery! If you don't know him and you like jazz at all, click these links and take a listen to a few previews on Amazon. The first album, Chet Baker Quartet Plays Standards, sooo mellow and relaxing, an awesome album! And the second, My Funny Valentine, is a mix of instrumental and vocals. He had a different voice, pretty high, but nice. Who knew Chet Baker went so well with Potato, Cauliflower and Leek soup on a cold night. Life is good.

Breakfast inspired by mom's country biscuits and gravy

2010-01-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

So after my silent retreat and fasting for 36 hours, mom made biscuits, gravy, sausage and eggs for breakfast. That's the official breakfast of Tennessee where my dad is from...and also his sisters who taught my mom how to make it correctly. Of course she sent me home with some extra biscuits...what to do...what to do?

I had some uncured bacon just waiting for me to open in the bottom drawer in my fridge. And I was craving mushrooms, to that blossomed into a gravy of sorts with a couple strips of crisped bacon, sauteed shallot and mushrooms, vermouth (yes, love to use that as a cooking liquid, try it, it isn't just for martini's anymore), baby spinach, little roux (flour and butter cooked together), nonfat milk, little mascarpone cheese, little sour cream, little grating of parmesan cheese, and a little of my new favorite seasoning, Sunny Paris (shallots, chives, green peppercorns, French basil, French tarragon, chervil, bay leaf, and dill weed) from Penzey's Spices. (Back to Penzey's in a moment.) I scrambled a couple eggs, put on top of a warmed up biscuit, and spooned the gravy on top. HEAVEN! Though I'm sure any true-blooded southerner would roll their eyes at my bastardized, California-ized, liberal interpretation. And yes, I ate it all before thinking of taking a pic. Will try to get better at that.

So I first ran across Penzey's years ago on a business trip to Minneapolis. I had to let the locals from the office there know about it. Very clean, simple, wood floors and tons of shelves filled with every spice you've ever heard of and more, all with large testers for you to smell. There wasn't an even remotely close store for quite awhile, so I had to make due with the site. Which you'll know is utilitarian at best, if you've already clicked the link above. I actually linked you in several clicks as they seem to want to dissuade you from actually getting to the spices themselves. But sign up for a catalog if you're at all interested, they are fairly good, and often have a discount sticker on the cover. Luckily there is one down in Menlo Park now. Another great spice they have is Aleppo Pepper (a Turkish crushed red chili) that Vicky, aka cat lady and one of the previously unknowing locals I mentioned earlier and used to work with, is now completely hooked on.

Can you tell I was watching cooking shows and reading food blogs this am? More ponderings on my reading and time in Big Sur later. Happy Sunday!

What the...?

2010-01-08T23:04:00.000-08:00

So I went down to Big Sur for three nights for a silent retreat at a monastery. I'll write more about that this weekend. It is amazing to spend time with yourself and NO other input.

But what happened to me that I'm sitting home on Friday night watching Bill Moyer's Journal on KQED with two journalists from Mother Jones talking about obstacles to financial reform??? OK, so actually what caught my eye is what I thought was the other part of the show, which is a segment with Greg Mortenson ("Three Cups of Tea") about education in Afghanistan...but now that we've reached the end of the hour they tell me that that topic is next week.

I am actually astounded at what these journalists are talking about...all that is happening and not happening in Washington in the financial realm. Basically DC is owned by Wall Street and the major investment banks...they have given more examples of legislation that has been passed in the last 10 years that is SHAMELESS. I'll admit I'm too tired to detail this out...but we (average people) are footing the bill for the financial elite in this country. I know this sounds trite...but much of what I've heard on this in the past has been in the general or abstract. It is much different when you hear about multiple, specific examples of legislation that is written, lobbied for, and funded by Wall Street that benefits Wall Street and no one else. And at this point, there is no one to turn to to affect a change.

This is definitely NOT what I thought my first post back would be about. :-) Evolution on many fronts. More to come.

26 Newts...and Susan Sontag

2010-01-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

Ok...so the every day posting didn't happen over the holidays. We'll see what the new year brings. One of the first things the new year already brought was a hike around Lake (either Bon Tempe or Lagunitas??) with some good friends and their kids. It was a really nice cloudy, moist day. They told me how they have been seeing and counting newts on their family hikes. So we started counting. Their previous record was 23. We lost count, and think it may have been closer to 30, but 26 was our official number. Counting newts...something new for the new year.

One would think that 26 is an ample number to have gotten at least one photo...but no...no newt photos. Though there is this one of Heidi with Carly and PJ. Sometimes you need your mom and big sis to assure you there are in fact no sharks in the big puddle...contrary to what dad said.

Which is the perfectly unplanned transition to my next topic, mentioned in my last posting...Susan Sontag, On Photography, a collection of her essays. I knew Susan Sontag's name, but I'm not sure if I've ever read anything of hers or not.

Side note which began as in parentheses but was too long for that:

Interesting article recently in the NY Times, How to Train the Aging Brain. Contrary to longheld views, 40% of my brain cells (potentially containing memories of Sontag's writing) are NOT lost! Apparently I'm just lacking the correct stimulus or prodding to bring them back to life. So we're supposed to be stretching our brains in ways we're not used to. "The brain, as it traverses middle age, gets better at recognizing the central idea, the big picture. If kept in good shape, the brain can continue to build pathways that help its owner recognize patterns and, as a consequence, see significance and even solutions much faster than a young person can." So there, youngsters! (And no, I have NO idea why the spacing is off or how to correct it. Apparently copying and pasting from the Times brought along some unwanted code. Just another GORGEOUS, random inconsistency...if you've been reading my previous posts you'll understand my joy in them.)

But I digress, back to Susan and photography. I LOVE her writing. I'm on page 11 and fascinated by her concepts. You can tell that she's incredibly intelligent. Her writing is fairly meaning dense, but she doesn't rub your nose in it. She just makes you want to keep reading. Yes, I had to pause to confirm the definitions of a few words. Her writing is definitely stretching my brain in a way it isn't used to.

"To photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed. It means putting oneself into a certain relation to the world that feels like knowledge--and, therefore, like power."

"Recently, photography has become almost as widely practiced an amusement as sex and dancing...It is mainly a social rite, a defense against anxiety, and a tool of power." Now this was written sometime in the early 70's and photography is even more prolific now.

"Not to take photos of one's children, particularly when they are small, is a sign of parental indifference...Through photographs, each family constructs a portrait-chronicle of itself--a portable kit of images that bears witness to its connectedness...a rite of family life...to restate symbolically, the imperiled continuity and vanishing extendedness of family life."

"As photographs give people an imaginary possession of a past that is unreal, they also help people to take possession of space in which they are insecure...It seems positively unnatural to travel for pleasure without taking a camera along. Photographs will offer indisputable evidence that the trip was made, theat the program was carried out, that fun was had."

"This...ubiquity--of the photographic record is photography's 'message,' its aggression."

Photography is something aggressive...in its pervasiveness and in the pressure to use it. Wow. Of course we don't have to subscribe to all of her assertions...but what amazing writing to challenge me to think about what I do and why I do it.

In a previous post I wrote about how there can be a universe in a single "shot." And then I shared a photo of some flowers glowing in the winter sun and wrote about that moment. Combine this with thoughts about being present...REALLY being in the moment and enjoying it for all it is worth. I've been thinking about the relationship between photography and presence...and realizing that photography, while in one way can bring me into a particular moment in a much deeper way, can, in another way take me out of being present to the entirety of a moment. By focusing in on one thing I am missing everything else that is going on around me.

Is this a bad thing? As with almost everything else, I think not if done in moderation. Balance between enjoying everything--the sights, sounds, smells, feelings--in a moment and times when I explore the visual and dive into the infinite in a single shot. I love how her writing allowed and challenged me to think about what I've been doing--to make sure I don't let my camera come between me and truly enjoying a moment with my family or friends, or a walk down the street.

All that and I'm only on page 11...and only beginning week four of my new adventure.

Am I seeing a bigger picture (excuse the pun, but that's the word that the NY Times used) now than I would have earlier in my life? Is all this thinking thanks to the incredibly dense network of neural pathways built up over 45 years? A nudge or coincidence from the universe? Maybe some of both.

Wow, life is amazing!

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T17:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-21T00:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-18T12:50:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-15T23:33:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-14T22:35:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

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.