Ingredients

• 1 and a half cups of oats
• Half a cup of oat flour
• 1 cup of flax meal
• Half a cup of quinoa flour
• 1 cup of unbleached all purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• Half a cup of maple syrup
• Half a cup of honey
• Cup of dried cherries
• Cup of sunflower seeds (or carob chips)
• Cup of pumpkin seeds (or carob chips)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

There’s quite a lot of leverage here to play around with ingredients and quantities.  So long as you balance grain, sweet, and fat and can mold into cookie forms (almost flat mini balls), it’s hard to go wrong.  Add the ingredients that you like and/or remove what you are not allowed to have or don’t want.

Enjoy!

•  Yield:  About 6 dozen
•  Freeze well in snack bags
•  Depending on size, 4 cookies make a good snack, or partial meal replacement for when on the road, or at work
•  Easy to eat and nutritious, but fun and different
• Not to forget:  Pumpkin seeds are good for healthy sexual function and fertility!

RECIPES ALREADY PUBLISHED ON THIS BLOG

MAIN COURSES
• Rice Noodle Bake, with Eggs, Cheese and Veg. Can’t Make Mistakes with This Simple Recipe (May 17, 2009)
• Allergic to Wheat? Easy-Prep Meals for One: Freeze, Heat Up, and Enjoy! Rice Pasta and Leftovers, with Cooked Avocado (May 11, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:  Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15, 2008)

SIDE-DISHES AND STARTERS
• Getting Creative, and Healthy, with Pretty Food—Wheat-Free Too! (April 13, 2009)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008)  

BAKING AND MEAL REPLACEMENTS
• Chewy Maple and Honey Balls with Sunflower and Pumpkin (Not Quite Rice Krispy Squares) (September 20, 2009)
• Healthy Baking:  Not-Quite-Oatmeal-Raisin-Cookies (Use Flax and Rice Flour, Cherries, and Carob) (April 5, 2009)
• Don’t Love Chocolate! What Happened to Carob? Carob Clusters Satisfy the Craving—and Help Keep You Regular! (April 3, 2009)
• Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins (February 22, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)

DOGGY-DELIGHTS
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)

As summer turns to fall—the so-called “quiet season”—there’s usually a gap period between major exhibitions. In Britain, many seem to close mid-September, new ones opening later in the month. Last week, on a two-day trip to London, I made the most of what was available, and there was still an abundance. When I lived in this city, as a student (late 70‘s - early 80‘s), many of these venues, exhibits, and activities didn’t exist (or weren’t open to the public)!  Wow! Nor, did the traffic…

Here are some of the high- (and low-) lights—and recommendations—from my whistle stop tour:

DAY ONE

• Tate Modern
No feature exhibit, but great to experience the building, ambiance, and other collections.  Would have liked to have taken the bridge connecting to the other side of the Thames, or the boat to the Tate Britain.  Maybe next time!

• Garden Museum, Lambeth
Quaint, but not as remarkable as anticipated from write-ups. Likely, nicer to coincide a visit with their events and lectures. Pleasant surprise: vegetarian restaurant’s pineapple and banana cake is yummy! Also, from here, I made a little detour towards and along the Thames, noticing newer attractions like the London Eye Ferris Wheel.

• Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
An absolute must-see!  Even for those not interested in war, the history, memorabilia and presentation are excellent. Lots to think about, marvel over, and learn from! Also, note the "green" lunch delivery service at an adjacent government building:-)

• Thames Circular Cruise
Disappointing. Supposed to be an hour, but little more than 40 minutes. And, with no commentary, it was hard to know what all the sites and details were. Would have been nice to hear some local tales and history. Too bad the driver was busy texting…and not always looking!  Maybe during off-season efforts wain?

• Big Ben
Always there. Ever powerful, from every angle.  Wonderfully restored and in its 150th anniversary year (1859 - 2009)!

• Trafalgar Square Exhibits
Anthony Gormely’s One and Other was unimpressive.  Participants are not as high off the ground as imagined, if you walk the perimeter of the square.  I arrived at a “changing of the guard.”  Travel to the North of England (Mersey River’s Crosby Beach) to see a much more remarkable work by Gormley, the Another Place Figures.

The London Design Festival’s Centrepiece Chess Board was drawing a healthy crowd.

• Noel Coward Theatre, Calendar Girls
Lovely theater and easy to buy a last-minute upper balcony ticket at the door, prior to performance, then have a seat upgrade to the stalls!  Poor attendance for what, to me, seemed to work better as a movie then a play. Jerry Hall being in the cast was a plus, but not enough to keep me from dozing off. Long day!

DAY TWO

• Natural History Museum and Darwin Centre
The new Darwin Centre is incredible. Next time, hope to make it into the Cocoon!  Just caught the end of the Butterfly Jungle exhibit. Love the architecture and design of the original historic buildings. Just seeing and being in them is a great experience in itself.  Same goes for the V and A (next paragraph, below).

• Victoria and Albert Museum, London Design Festival, Sackler Centre
A great collaboration. Two (or three) for the price of one—in fact, no price. Each were free (and easy)!  Please check the heart artifact I had the opportunity to make during a London Design Festival activity, the Shape of My Heart (close up image at the start of this post can be found on the official Heart site as well). The Sackler Centre is a wonderful addition and resource—helps bring the museum (and beyond) to life!  As an undergrad, I spent many hours in the V and A library. No Sackler Centre then!  Also managed to catch the Telling Tales exhibit!

• Saatchi Gallery
Being a Saatchi on-line Gallery artist, I was very curious to see this new beyond cyber space venue. What an accomplishment!  It’s also interesting to note the setting, close to Sloane Square:  a luxe and lovely part of town!  Then there’s the school playing field and track just in front of it, full of little people enjoying gym classes.

• Kensington Palace and Gardens… and The Last Debutantes
1958, the year focused on by the palace’s feature exhibit was a significant time for me. I was about to come into being, but not as a debutante:-)  An interesting era with a lot of attention to detail, etiquette, couture, and culture.  Precious and lacking today!  Lucky with the weather. A glorious season to be outside there:  the swans and geese were plump and abundant, preening in the glow of an autumn dusk.

• Hyde Park and Princess Diana Fountain
You can get lost here.  But on a beautiful autumn evening, and if you’ve got the time, that’s okay…  The signage isn’t evident everywhere.  To find the Diana Fountain, down by the Serpentine, far from the Diana Playground, wasn’t easy (at least for me). The Fountain, itself, I thought, was disappointing—looked to me like a series of drain outlets: some flowing well, others not.  No adornment and nothing remarkable. I could, of course, have been missing something?

Royal park dog poop bins were neat and official looking. Could do with similar around Toronto:-)

 

CITY TRANSPORTATION

Wondering how I got around?  Via the Oyster travel card.  Worth the investment, but please be advised to take the tube for speed, buses if you’ve got all the time in the world… The Number 10 bus (from Hyde Park to Euston) took 1 hour and 15 mins! Oxford Street is particularly slow and congested (especially at rush hour) and there are easier ways to cross it…  Missed my train!  Nice that Euston Station now has such an amazing selection of take-out eateries!  Prête à Manger won out for me. Delicious advocado wrap!

A beautiful visit, like a beautiful butterfly (from the Natural History Exhibit):  too short-lived but very memorable.

 

Earlier posts about London on this blog include:

• LONDON Landmarks Change (March 2, 2008)
• Green LONDON: from Pink Cabs to Green Attitude (February 27, 2008)
• Taxi, Taxi! LONDON’S Colorful Cabbies (February 25, 2008)
• Sentimental and Historical London—A Quick Guide (October 7, 2007)

A sweet New Year, and year-round, treat!

 

Ingredients

• 2 X 170 gram bags of rice puffs
• Half cup of honey
• Half cup of maple syrup
• 2 and a half sticks of butter, melted
• 3 packs of vegetarian gelatin, added to melted butter (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons of sunflower seed butter
• 4 tablespoons of pumpkin seed butter
• 8 - 12 dates, cut up in small pieces (optional)

Instructions

• Mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Dampen hands with warm water to help form mixture into balls.
• Bake spaced out on cookie sheets  for 12 minutes at 375 degrees, in preheated oven

Enjoy!

• Yield:  About 6 dozen

RECIPES ALREADY PUBLISHED ON THIS BLOG

MAIN COURSES
• Rice Noodle Bake, with Eggs, Cheese and Veg. Can’t Make Mistakes with This Simple Recipe (May 17, 2009)
• Allergic to Wheat? Easy-Prep Meals for One: Freeze, Heat Up, and Enjoy! Rice Pasta and Leftovers, with Cooked Avocado (May 11, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:  Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15, 2008)

SIDE-DISHES AND STARTERS
• Getting Creative, and Healthy, with Pretty Food—Wheat-Free Too! (April 13, 2009)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008)  

BAKING AND MEAL REPLACEMENTS
• Healthy Baking:  Not-Quite-Oatmeal-Raisin-Cookies (Use Flax and Rice Flour, Cherries, and Carob) (April 5, 2009)
• Don’t Love Chocolate! What Happened to Carob? Carob Clusters Satisfy the Craving—and Help Keep You Regular! (April 3, 2009)
• Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins (February 22, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)

DOGGY-DELIGHTS
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)

Food for Thought

Without plan or intention, I realize I might be perceived as a bit of a FOODIE.  My food interests, as depicted in my artwork, are more general and junky (all-inclusive and whimsical).  But, in my recipe-making, they are more specific and health conscious (nutrition-oriented and exclusive). Then, there’s the book I wrote about eating disorders (More Than Just  A Meal: The Art of Eating Disorders). 

As we journey through life, our interactions and foci evolve, as do our relationships, including those with food.  FOOD is either central to your way of being and doing or not (for better and for worse).  Seldom are there any in betweens.  No matter what I’ve been doing, food interests always seem to manage to be a significant part of my life, in one way or another.

Growing up, I didn’t have any major food fads, and was lucky enough to have a mother who was (and still is) a great cook and kitchen mentor.  For work, I morphed into a profession where jobs were hard to come by (art therapy) and my best opportunity happened to be on an eating disorders unit.  There, I learned about food foibles and follies and how the healing power of art and wise psychotherapeutic intervention could mesh, resolve, explain, and soothe.

During the years when the bulk of my time was focused on seeing and/or studying and writing about patients, I stopped art-making.  There are only so many emotions to go around, and it’s hard to do everything well, all at the same time.  Something has to go.  My creative energy, connected to visual-arts making, felt stumped and drained.  An extended sabbatical at art school (School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) helped reheat the oven.

Once I was painting again, it wasn’t long before I fell into attaching myself to subject matter that was familiar and (could be) fun:  FOOD.  Exclusion from a landscape class caused me to devise my own scenes with interesting edibles.  Traditional still-life arrangements were never my forté.  But, just focusing on the food itself, no backgrounds or ornamentation necessary, was exciting and motivating.  I loved giving the food personality and making it appear more delicious and vibrant than in actuality. Viewers smiling at it were (and are) the best rewards, gave (and give) raison d’être. An earlier post about my Florence Biennale exhibit tells more, as does this YouTube video.

Next, on my food journey, I confronted personal health issues. Certain illnesses and conditions put us on diets that are appropriate for our health-needs, but not morale.  Fortunately, a little creativity and perseverance has enabled me to work around such restrictions.  My recipes, even if they appear a little odd, or don’t entice, definitely do the trick—or so I, and brave food-tester friends, have found. Others, whose food choices have been limited too may be equally able to relate and enjoy.  That said, I still hope everyone, food-restricted or not, might find something to their taste.  Nothing that I’ve come up with is difficult to make.  And, most ingredients can be found, eventually. 

Cliché as it sounds, “necessity” proves itself again as  “the mother of invention.” For those with a “sweet tooth,” you’ll see that there’s plenty of baking/snack food/meal replacement treats.  These are the hardest to find to buy when you’re out and about.  That’s why it’s all the more important to have your own supply, when  and where ever possible.

If you find my recipes hard to follow because of inconsistent formatting and instructions, I do apologize.  These sharings have emerged spontaneously, jotted down during or after creation.  This could lead to inaccuracy or explanations that mightn’t be entirely clear.  More seasoned chefs may be able to fill in the blanks, as well as those who like to tinker.  Should the need/opportunity arise to to put together a proper recipe book, I will then be able to take the time to get things absolutely right.  For now, a little understanding and flexibility will be much appreciated.  These recipes are just jumping off points that, hopefully, provide encouragement—let it be known that there can be ways to work around special diets and make them a tad more interesting. 

Happy experimenting and taste-testing! More recipes coming soon:-)

Thought for Food

RECIPES ALREADY PUBLISHED ON THIS BLOG

MAIN COURSES
• Rice Noodle Bake, with Eggs, Cheese and Veg. Can’t Make Mistakes with This Simple Recipe (May 17, 2009)
• Allergic to Wheat? Easy-Prep Meals for One: Freeze, Heat Up, and Enjoy! Rice Pasta and Leftovers, with Cooked Avocado (May 11, 2009)

SIDE-DISHES AND STARTERS
• Getting Creative, and Healthy, with Pretty Food—Wheat-Free Too! (April 13, 2009)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008)  

BAKING AND MEAL REPLACEMENTS
• Healthy Baking:  Not-Quite-Oatmeal-Raisin-Cookies (Use Flax and Rice Flour, Cherries, and Carob) (April 5, 2009)
• Don’t Love Chocolate! What Happened to Carob? Carob Clusters Satisfy the Craving—and Help Keep You Regular! (April 3, 2009)
• Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins (February 22, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15,2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)

DOGGY-DELIGHTS
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)

 

We have been on a "summer break" of sorts, but still working day and night. Please see Twitter (http://twitter.com/DocSusan) for current updates when the posts here are less frequent. A completely revised/new-look DocSusan website will be appearing mid-to-late fall. Thank you for your patience, and enjoy what’s left of summer, when and how ever you can.

p.s. A hint of some of what is to come is in this blueberry image (photo taken from the small bush in my garden).  Please check out Nancy O’Mallon’s new About Blueberries website to learn more about this wonder-fruit.

 

 

6 eggs
500grms of rice noodles
500grms of cottage cheese
1 large 225grms (or more) container of marinated and roasted artichokes
4 tomatoes, sliced
Bunch of green onions
225gtms of cheddar or mozarella (goat versions of these cheeses work well too)
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook and drain the noodles. Let cool. Mix together with all other ingredients, except for 125grms of the hard (grated) cheese, which can be sprinkled over the top before putting into the oven.  Bake in a large (family size) greased glass/Pyrex dish for one hour at 350 degrees fahrenheit, till set and lightly browned.

Freezes and portions well—for single-serving amounts too.  Easy preparation. Reheats without tasting like it’s been reheated.

Other DocSusan recipe creations on this blog can be found in the following posts:

• Allergic to Wheat? Easy-Prep Meals for One: Freeze, Heat Up, and Enjoy! Rice Pasta and Leftovers, with Cooked Avocado (May 11, 2009)
• Getting Creative, and Healthy, with Pretty Food—Wheat-Free Too! (April 13, 2009)
• Healthy Baking:  Not-Quite-Oatmeal-Raisin-Cookies (Use Flax and Rice Flour, Cherries, and Carob) (April 5, 2009)
• Don’t Love Chocolate! What Happened to Carob? Carob Clusters Satisfy the Craving—and Help Keep You Regular! (April 3, 2009)
• Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins (February 22, 2009)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15,2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008)   

 

Pasta dishes are easy to freeze then heat up in the microwave.  They also make good use of leftovers.  

I love rice pasta, which is a nice alternative for those on wheat-free diets. Also, those who can eat regular (wheat) pasta usually can’t tell the difference, if they’re not informed in advance.  Tinkyada is an easy-to-cook brand, with a variety of shapes (like penne) and it doesn’t seem to go mushy.

After entertaining over the Christmas break, I was left with some interesting almost-near-expiry uncooked fresh ingredients. These helped make a delicious sauce.

Sauce ingredients

• Basic pesto basil sauce (one container, store bought, and kept in freezer for back-up)
• 4 medium size sweet potatoes
• 1 avocado (yes you can cook it)
• A clump of fresh basil leaves
• 4 oz of goat’s cheese or chèvre
• 1 bunch of celery hearts
• A third of a bag of baby carrots
• 1 container of baby tomatoes (in a variety of colors and shapes)

Preparation

• Microwave the sweet potatoes and allow to cool, then cut up into bite size pieces (to be added once the other ingredients have been cooked).

• Microwave the celery, cut up into bite size pieces, with the carrots (not cut up), then add the basil and defrosted  pesto sauce

• Next, add the avocado (cut up) and baby tomatoes (not cut up).  (These will soften and cook from the heat of the other ingredients.

• Finally, add the goats cheese, sprinkling it over top.

When the pasta is cooked (in about 12  minutes), drain and add it to the sauce ingredients.  Stir all together gently, so as not to squish softened vegetables, then microwave for 30 seconds.

If you live alone, you can get six healthy portions out of a batch like this (frozen individually). Nicer than store bought fast food refrigerator take-outs.

For more of DocSusan’s spontaneous recipe creations, please see earlier posts:

• Getting Creative, and Healthy, with Pretty Food—Wheat-Free Too! (April 13, 2009)
• Healthy Baking:  Not-Quite-Oatmeal-Raisin-Cookies (Use Flax and Rice Flour, Cherries, and Carob) (April 5, 2009)
• Don’t Love Chocolate! What Happened to Carob? Carob Clusters Satisfy the Craving—and Help Keep You Regular! (April 3, 2009)
• Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins (February 22, 2009)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15,2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008) 

Hewitt’s Maple Walnut Goat Milk Icecream is quite a discovery!  Manufactured by a family owned and run dairy in Ontario it comes in portion-size 150ml tubs (270 calories each).   Please look for more information about where to find it on the Hewitt site—and enjoy!

We never know what’s going to strike us when traveling.  Last week, in Spain, I was aware of the following (in random order, photos provided where possible):

• Spaniards like to encourage fitness.  Along their many seaside promenades there’s exercise equipment that is both child and adult friendly—easy to use and fun.

• Spanish antiquities have led to the creation of interesting museum-settings, like for Picasso’s works, in Malaga.  An unusual and unique collection!  Just one problem, it’s not disabled-friendly.  The only way in is by foot (through a pedestrian zone). For those who need to be dropped off at the door (to access a wheelchair from there) it’s complicated!

• Grey skies make for beautiful snapshots. Have a rain jacket and woolens with you, it can get a little chilly before May.

•  James Hewitt (ex beau of Princess Di) has opened a "Polo Bar" where fruit juices cost 10 Euros… Having seen him in person there, I agree, he does look a tad like Prince Harry!

• Cabs are expensive enough, and a book is provided with rates that are supposed to be followed.  But, you still need to pay extra attention, especially as public transportation is scarce.

• Apart from the numerous apartments and villas with For Sale Signs, a trip to Puerto Banus shows many luxury yachts are on the market too!  

• Malaga’s Spanish Film Festival started April 17th and runs through April 25 (09).  A red carpet there revealed the city’s bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2016.

•  Churros are often described as spaghetti-like Mexican donuts. These treats can be found in old-town Marbella and are a fun breakfast treat, especially for children—with hot chocolate!

• Beware Air Europa (an Air France connector).  Refreshments and reliability not included, and baggage does get lost!

 

Stuffed peppers don’t have to be baked.  Dinner guests on their way, I turned crunchy orange ones into attractvie finger-food, while making good use of leftover egg and artichoke salad.  Cut into halves and topped with baby orange tomatoes, garnished with basil leaves, these "pepper boats" brightened up a winter table.  I am sure they would ehnance sunlight on a summer one too! For those on wheat-free or low carb diets, these are a fun alternative to sandwiches.

Other DocSusan recipe creations on this blog can be found in the following posts:

• Healthy Baking:  Not-Quite-Oatmeal-Raisin-Cookies (Use Flax and Rice Flour, Cherries, and Carob) (April 5, 2009)
• Don’t Love Chocolate! What Happened to Carob? Carob Clusters Satisfy the Craving—and Help Keep You Regular! (April 3, 2009)
• Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins (February 22, 2009)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15,2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008)   

 

I’m on a nut-free diet for a while, following medical recommendations.  This means having to give up many familiar snack-foods and create new alternatives. (Nuts are/were my chocolate!)  Please be advised that this is another recipe that might only appeal to those who are into health food.

Ingredients

2 cups of oats
2 cups of flax flour
2 cups of rice flour
1 stick of butter
half cup of maple syrup
3 eggs
pinch of salt
2 teaspoons of baking powder
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 quarter to half a cup of dried cherries
1 bar of (bashed) carob

Method

Mix all ingredients together.  Pat down and cut. I used a small heart-shaped cutter.  (Makes approximately 5 dozen).  Lay on greased tray and bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees farenheit till slightly golden brown, in a pre-heated oven.

Other DocSusan recipe creations on this blog can be found in the following posts:

• Don’t Love Chocolate! What Happened to Carob? Carob Clusters Satisfy the Craving—and Help Keep You Regular! (April 3, 2009)
• Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins (February 22, 2009)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15,2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008)   

 

I don’t love chocolate.  Hmmmm, you say.  Well, it’s true… and I’m not the only one!

Years ago, I discovered carob. Not something I have to have every day.  Occasionally, it’s a nice treat, but hard to find these days— in England, Canada, and the US. Why?

In Toronto there’s still Goldies, and I used a bar of it to create Carob Cluster Treats (before nuts* were removed from my diet).

Ingredients  (approximate quantities, substitutions possible)

• *Cup of ground almonds (these provide the fat, so you don’t need to add any extra)
• Three quarters of a cup of oat flour
• Three quarters of a cup of quinoa flour
• Half cup of flax meal
• Bar of carob bashed up into chunks (you can do this by putting it in a plastic bag and bashing with a hammer)
• Half cup of dried cherries
• 4 eggs
• Cup of maple syrup

Baking Instructions

Mix everything together then form small (two teaspoon size) balls and space apart on a greased baking tray.  Bake till light golden brown (20 - 25 minutes at 375 degrees in a preheated oven).  Check that there’s no sog in the middle, with a testing needle or prong. Remove from tray as soon as possible, to cool.

For those who live alone, or like to cook in bulk, please note that this product freezes well, and doesn’t crumble apart. Ideal for packed lunches and on-the-go snacks!

p.s.  As I’ve indicated in earlier blog posts, writing up recipes isn’t my forté.  Making things up while going along, I don’t usually record details in time, and recollections aren’t always accurate.  Apologies!

Other DocSusan recipe creations on this blog can be found in the following posts:

• Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins (February 22, 2009)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15,2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008)  

 

Check out the Magnolia Bakery on New York’s Upper West Side.  What’s old is new again.  Not  everyone is on a diet!  Fun to watch the baking process…

 

My favorite foods include nuts, soya/tofu, berries, and leafy greens!  I know that may seem strange to some.  But, as they say, "chacun à son goût!"  (everyone has their own taste).

When these basics were cut from my diet a few months ago (for medical reasons), I found it very hard to adjust. Now, as I start to feel better, the benefits of self-discipline have been confirmed.  And, with the resulting weight loss, I’ve been happy to indulge with special treats, like cheesecake for breakfast…

Thinking a little more about soy, perhaps it was a fortunate coincidence that this got removed from my diet.  I think I might actually have had soy poisoning!  All those soy lattés…  Googling around, I’ve now found a number of articles that support that theory.  For others interested in finding out more about soy and its potential health hazards, here are some interesting links:  

• Shirley’s Wellness Café
• HealingDaily.com
• About.com
• ReliableAnswers.com
• CNN

Earlier blog posts about my soya milk latté habit include:   Take-Out: Best Soya Latte and Burgers in Toronto (August 15, 2008) and An Unscientific Study of COFFEE Drinking—and What Others Are Saying and Doing (July 19, 2007).

You might not be aware, it’s World Kidney Day, and March is "National Kidney Month" in the US.  Please visit the website Kidney.org for more information. The Kidney Foundation is on Facebook too! (You can become a fan.)  There are free kidney screenings all over the US today. Many of us take our kidneys fore granted, and don’t drink enough (water, that is)—me included. It wasn’t until I ended up in Emergency last October (for completely unrelated reasons) that I discovered this… Stone disease is on the rise, and you can help prevent it by drinking more (water), and with a change of diet and supplements.  If not, the alternatives aren’t fun, and might take you by surprise! 

Alas, Canadian winters are seldom mild for sustained periods.  February is when most of us start to get really tired of living in a cold weather climate:  need survival strategies.

 

Snow storms have me wanting to get cozy, using whatever ingredients happen to be in the kitchen to create interesting sustenance.  Here’s an unusual recipe conjured up under such circumstances.

Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins
These may not be for everyone, perhaps just those who like healthier fare, or have wheat sensitivities.

• 3 cups of oat flour
• 1 cup flax meal
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups probiotic yogurt
• 2 quarter of an ounce packets of cherries
• 3 large bananas
• 4 tablespoons of baking powder
• 1.5 sticks of butter
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 cup brown sugar

Preparation

Mix all ingredients together, adding the eggs last, and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Yield:   2 dozen large muffins, or a combination of mini-muffins and regular muffins.  Bake the mini-muffins on a lower shelf and the larger muffins on a higher shelf, and they’ll take the same amount of time.

For a special treat, top with creamcheese icing, or glaze, made from creamcheese, icing sugar, and Amaretto.  Freeze to set.

For more of DocSusan’s spontaneous recipe creations, please see earlier posts:

• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September 22, 2008) 

This morning, birds were singing:  a rare treat in Toronto in the wintertime.  This afternoon, walking the dogs, it was getting colder again.  But, my thoughts stayed cheerful:  memories milder weather can bring had already been stirred.  I was thinking about the garden and its coming back to life, once the snow melts completely and finally… 

 

I planted two miniature pear trees 11 years ago.  However, it was only last year that I tasted their fruit for the first time. The crop looked abundant in the late spring.  Then, by summer’s end, only three samples were left. This year I’m going to have to beat the squirrels to it, and pick whatever is produced before it ripens. There’s nothing like homegrown fare, if you get the opportunity to enjoy it…

Greetings from New York City, where I’m thrilled to be attending the Westminster Dog Show and related festivities.  Many more pictures and "wagging tails" to share in future blog posts.  But, for now, it’s a fond farewell to Uno, 2008’s  “Best in Show.”  His reign is nearly over…

Yesterday, David Frei hosted this champion’s last big press conference (image above) with owner Caroline Dowell (image below).  Uno’s stepping down is bitter sweet.  He has had a wonderful year and been a model example—participant with and spokesdog for many great and caring organizations, like Angel on a Leash. 

Afterwards, I the seized the opportunity to get to know Uno a little (image below).  This Beagle who loves bagels was winding down from all the excitement…and doughy human treats.

Usually, pictures say more than words.  And, in the age of digital photography, it’s hard to resist the urge to snap most everything in sight.  Here are some more favorite photographic memories from last year.

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Fish-like kites, Ocean Drive

Man-made coastal walk:  The Cliff Walk

Quaint architecture:  Castle Hill Inn

Beautiful blue:  Hydrangeas

Evening sail with golden glow

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Clever Pigeons, Central Park

Joan Miro self-portrait (MOMA)

Memorial:  To John Lennon, in Strawberry Fields, Central Park

Today Show Set after-hours

Other favorite photographic memories from 2008 are included in: What to See and/or Do in 2009. Photos, Memories, Ideas, and Surprises from 2008. PART 1 (January 26, 2009) and  What to See and/or Do in 2009. Photos, Memories, Ideas, and Surprises from 2008. PART 3 (January 31, 2009).

Chanukah’s well behind us, but sometimes it takes a while to type things up.  Also, this dish is a fun “side” year-round. Usually, latkes are made from potatoes, and served with apple sauce and sour cream.  My version is a little different.  I use mixed root vegetables, with pineapple/pear/raspberry compote, and probiotic yogurt for toppings…

In Toronto, we’re fortunate to have a year-round local supplier of organic vegetables —a little more expensive, but worth it for quality, taste, and longevity.  Cookstown Greens has been around since 1988, and has growing clientele and fresh produce selections.  I enjoy the root vegetable combinations, cooked as are, or as the chief ingredient for recipes like Latkes.

 

 

Every moment with my dogs is special.  And, as they age, I realize, all the more, what a gift it is that they’ve had reasonably healthy lives, so far.   When they do get sick, which seems to be more frequently of late, it’s very distressing…  Old age and health challenges come to us all, no matter our species or status.  It’s all in how they’re handled:  our own attitude as well as that of those who stick around and how they help see us through.  Earlier blog posts about this include:  Hat-Tricks and Hospital Waiting Rooms (November 5, 2008), Sick Pets and Veterinary Waiting Rooms (November 6, 2008) Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008).

Not to outdo Sage and myself, Lev had emergency surgery yesterday.  I’d noticed “the sneeze” for a couple of weeks.  It was intermittent and not like Sage’s—more like a human’s (she’s a bigger dog). It came in series, usually earlier in the day or later at night.  Her playing, eating, barking, walking/running, and bossing were unchanged, but her eyelids, especially over the last few days, started to look swollen (patches of flesh evident between her hairs)…

Sage and I had taken attention away from Lev, over recent months, with our own surgeries, and she had been our “rock.”  This gave me a niggling fear that Lev might not be indestructible herself.  Sometimes you just know…  Once Sage and I were more alert and able to resume semi-normal activities, I observed Lev more closely, taking her straight to the operating theater.  Something wasn’t quite right! “The Sneeze” was the signal…

Please be aware that vets who aren’t certified in animal dentistry can’t always be sure where sneezing can come from.  But, that said, and after-the-fact, even as a lay person, I’ve come to find this hard to comprehend…  In Sage’s case, Dr. Mason jumped to do an elaborate (and expensive) battery of general tests that could have been avoided.  If he’d followed Dr. Kneebone’s referral note’s suggestion to do dental XRays, we could have been saved a lot of grief.  After all, Dr. Kneebone’s deduction came as a result of numerous visits to her office, and homeopathic remedies (again, all at a price—financially and emotionally).  In retrospect, I fear that the “dance” may have continued, had I not screamed for conventional emergency help…  

After an unnecessarily drawn out and frustrating experience like the one Sage endured, you do not forget easily.  We paid Dr. Mason (heftily), but Pet Care did not reimburse us.  This had something do with the way in which Dr. Mason filled out the insurance claim form. It also had something to do with Pet Care’s policies and practices. (There will be more about this in a future blog post.)  We canceled our pet insurance and we won’t go back to Dr. Mason…

This time around, because of the Sage-experience, I bypassed "referring vets" (and related expenses) and went straight to Dr. Sharon French.  She is as kind as she is professional and considerate.  She understands how vet bills can mount up, unnecessarily, delaying appropriate and expedient treatment, and only did the essential.  Once Lev had had the dental Xrays, confirmation was given of what was wrong.  And, when the surgery began, it was even clearer what needed to be done.  Six abscessed teeth were extracted!

Yesterday afternoon, I made another batch of home-made dog food in anticipation of Lev’s homecoming.  She wasn’t ready till nine last night, and a very sad and sore little girl…  Sage is still wearing his lampshade.  (His post-surgery health issue will be discussed in a later blog post.)  He  came with me to get her, wagging his tail, a mile a minute, after a very mellow day.  He greeted her lampshade to lampshade, but she wasn’t interested.

Lev’s nose bled and her tail was down. I held her in my arms and she couldn’t look at me.  Just whimpered.  The drive home, I had her on my lap, lifeless.  Only when we turned into our street did her head pop up and she started to cry.  I lifted her from the car and she walked into the house.  Remarkably, she made it to her favorite spot, climbing tentatively onto the kitchen table, from where she didn’t move.  And, as for the homemade dog food, she wasn’t even interested in that…. With difficulty, I let her be.  

Taking her to bed with me, I held and stroked her through the night.  Her breathing was congested and the snoring kept me up.  Finally, she managed to pee this morning.  And, when I shed a tear, she licked my face.  Sage has backed off in the attention-seeking department.  He’s stable, for now.  Lev needs all our love, and she’s going to get it!

Other blog posts about Lev and Sage, and the canine-human bond and health matters, include:

• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)

 

In as much time as it takes to run to the corner and pick up a scone (with latté), it’s possible to produce a baking tray full that can be enjoyed all week. New Year’s morning, I gathered together left-overs from Christmas-week: some crème fraîche, the last two over-ripe bananas, and a small basket of softened blueberries. These proved interesting additions to ever-versatile scone ingredient options, enhancing a moist, buttery texture and taste.

Ingredients (alternatives, as well as the ones I used)

• 3 cups of four (I.5 mixed all purpose unbleached, 1.5 oat)
• 2 - 3 tablespoons of flax seed
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 cup of crème fraîche, sour cream, yogurt, or milk
• 2 bananas or a half a dozen dates (minus pits)
• 1 small container of blueberries or a cup of dried cherries
• Few pinches of salt (ok if you forget them—I do)

Baking Instructions

Mix ingredients and firm together. Roll on floured board. (Also remember to flour your baking tray.)  Cut out to size required (3 - 4 inches diameter).  Preheat oven to 425 degrees, and bake touching each other for 12 - 15 minutes, till lightly browned and cooked through.  Separate and remove from tray and leave to cool on wire rack. (yield:  24, depending on size).

For more of DocSusan’s spontaneous recipe creations, please see earlier posts:

• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September 22, 2008)

 

Kind gestures finally seem to matter more than material gifts, in part because of the economy, in part because there’s no substitute for healthful human connection.  This holiday season, I baked cookies for friends, neighbors, and neighborhood businesses.  These were genuinely appreciated.  Home-made—no matter how basic, like chocolate chip cookies—shows you care, and that you’ve put precious time aside to do so, beyond the actual gift-giving act or purchase.  During the planning and creation process, it just feels good to know that there can be simpler ways to make others happy.  The more impersonal and alienating/lonely the world becomes, the harder we have to try…

Who cares, and who doesn’t?  You might be surprised and disappointed to find out, especially at peak moments. 

Peak moments are special circumstances (like holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations).  Peak moments can also be times of difficulty:  sickness, loss, disappointment—not health, gain, and happiness.

As we exit the "season of giving" it’s good timing to reflect on our own behavior, as well as others’.  "Do unto others as we would wish to have done unto us" is a familiar cliché," one that may seem increasingly hard to have ring true.  Until something happens to us, ourselves, we might not get that jolt—the jolt that is humbling.  As we stumble, we want another to help catch our fall.  But, there’s not always anyone there—anyone we can count on that is.

Four main personality types appear obvious:  Doers, Talkers, Nosey-Pokes, and Nothingers:

• Doers do, no need to talk about it, in advance or afterwards. They surprise and delight, excuses not necessary.  Doers might owe us nothing.  We can owe them everything.

• Talkers talk, but seldom come through—do or give to anyone else except themselves.

• Nosey-Pokes like to know what’s happening.  "Talking" and "doing" are not really their concerns.  Information check-ins help keep them in the loop—provide scoop/fuel for gossip, but little more.

• Nothingers don’t do, talk, or nose.  They simply aren’t interested in any way—unless it’s about them.

Friends you thought were friends might prove they’re not.  Strangers fill in the blanks, and beyond.  Expectations lead to disappointments.  Disappointments lead to expectations.  At peak moments, we’re likely to realize all of this, and more…

Good caring others may be found once we stop pursuing and/or grieving for those who aren’t.

Earlier related blog posts include:

• Veterans Day and SHARING (November 11, 2008)
• Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (Februrary 1,2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• The COURAGE to Speak Up—Use POETRY (July 10, 2007)
• “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• COMPARISON-MAKING, ENVY, JEALOUSY (June 23, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• FRIENDS Help Friends (December 7, 2006)

Thanksgiving already a memory, the Christmas holidays are almost upon us.  No matter the holiday, house guests are usually involved.  How they behave (or don’t) can help make or break a happy home.

Some guests are house-trained.  Others are not, but can be coaxed.  Here’s a checklist of some essentials:

1.  Bring a gift (no matter how small, or homemade). Tokens of a appriectiation count.
2. "Thank you" matters.  Call or write within a couple of days.
3.  Strip/change the bed and gather up linens and towels for laundry, and/or replace with fresh ones before leaving (if not using your own).
4.  Clean the bathroom that you have been using (especially if it’s one that’s been for your exclusive use).
5.  Eat, drink, and enjoy without taking advantage.  If you know your needs are greater/different than what the host(s) can provide, come prepared or assist with filling the fridge, as necessary.
6.  Tidy up after yourself.  Even if you’re messy at home, try harder not to be elsewhere.  
7.  Know the "rules of the house."  If shoes are supposed to be taken off inside, they are supposed to be taken off inside.  If lights don’t need to be on in every room, lights don’t need to be on in every room…
8.  Be helpful.  Better than asking what you can do to help, take initiative, and do what’s needed to help.  If it’s garbage day, make sure that’s not overlooked.  If the host has a headache and might need a cup of tea, make one.

If you are not invited to stay again, perhaps check the list given above to help determine why.

Other blog posts about consideration and/or social etiquette include:

 • Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• Reliability, Vulnerability, Fear (October 8, 2008)
• Mixed Messages and Contradictions (September 29, 2008)
• PLAY NICE—Near and Far! (John Edwards too… (August 13, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (February 1, 2008)
• DEPRESSION ALERT! and Heath Ledger’s Unfortunate Death (January 24, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
•  “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• ABUSE Checklists (May 26, 2007)
• TRUTH Matters (May 8, 2007)
• Make Things CLEAR—Avoid MISUNDERSTANDINGS (April 17, 2007)
• A “NO” REPLY is Better than NO REPLY (April 13, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)

p.s. Reader feedback on this post has been interesting.  One suggestion has been to add a "point number 9"—"If the host gets upset with you for any reason, react calmly and don’t engage their frustration."  Let’s also wonder why a host might get upset, and if certain hosts can be too hard to please!

At home sick, over recent weeks, there’s been an opportunity to get back to basics.  Though always a "health-conscious eater," I am all the more so now.  No one else around to nurture me on a daily basis, and the dogs unable to cook (only supervise), I’ve not just come up with some interesting concoctions, but ones that are easily portionable, freezable, reheatable, and digestible.

As a "one," it’s great to have something tasty pre-prepared for zero energy days, especially before and after medical procedures.  And, when you’re able to advance-cook in bulk, time and wastage are saved.  Also, efforts can be enjoyed over a series of days or weeks.  

A "secret weapon" in making (swelling) grain-based recipes is a microwave rice-cooker.  While that’s doing its job, I bake and/or chop the other ingredients, ready to be added later.

Brown Rice Rissotto—Kind Of

• Baby bok choy (6 medium-size)
• Celery (bunch)
• Cranberries (1 small container)
• Squash (1 or 2 large)
• Short grain brown rice (1 bag)
• Arugala pesto sauce (1 small container)
• Pine nuts (a couple of ounces, lightly grilled to brown)

Once the rice is cooked, the rest of the ingredients can be added.  The bok choy, celery, and cranberries will soften with the heat from the rice and squash.  The squash has been baked for 45 mins to an hour at 450 degrees, before being extracted from its skin and cut into small pieces. The final dish, with all ingredients combined, can be microwaved for a couple of minutes before serving and/or freezing.

A nice piece of fresh fish, like Tilapia, served on top, makes for a more complete meal.  Vegetarians can add a goat cheesed topping, grilling or baking to melt.

Quinoa and Sweet Potato (image above)

• Quinoa (1 bag of mixed, red and white)
• Sweet potatoes (4 large)
• Celery (bunch)
• Green tomatoes (6)
• Mache (one packet)
• Slivered almonds (1 container)
• Salad dressing, with garlic and sundried tomatoes

Once the quinoa is cooked (in the rice cooker) and the sweet potatoes have been baked and cut up, all ingredients can be mixed together.  The tomatoes, celery, and mache will soften with the heat from the quinoa and sweet potatoes.  The final dish, with all ingredients combined, can be microwaved for a couple of minutes before serving and/or freezing.

Again, a nice piece of fresh fish, like Tilapia, served on top, makes for a more complete meal.  Vegetarians can make a goat cheesed topping, grilling or baking to melt. And, if company is coming, why not get fancy:  stuff peppers with it, and bake in the oven till the peppers are slightly softened. Large red, yellow, or orange peppers makenice color contrasts.

Non-Freezable fresh foods are important too.  Best not to let these last beyond three days.  Therefore, keep recipe quantities in mind.

The Best Egg Salad

(3 portions:  day of making, the next day, and the next)

• Eggs (6)
• Nayanaise with Dijon
• Feta (4 ounces, or thereabouts)
• Giant green olives (small container)
• Baby carrots (a handful, before chopping) or fennel (a handful, afer chopping)
• Salt and pepper to season

Serve on a bed of romaine lettuce and/or with rice crackers to make a more complete meal.

Not-Quite Guacamole

(3 portions:  day of making, the next day, and the next)

• Avocado (extra large)
• Juice of one lemon
• Sundried tomatoes (6 chopped small)
• Regular tomato (1 large)
• Spring onions (a few)
• Probioitic yogurt (but don’t drown the avocado)
• Salt and pepper to season

• Optional add in:  roasted artichokes with olive oil

Serve with crackers as a snack.  Kashi’s 7 Grain are an interesting choice. For the yogurt, Liberté’s Svelte Bio works well.

Fruit Cup and/or Smoothy

(3 portions of fruit cup:  day of making, the next day, and the next.  On day three, any remainders can be used for a fruit smoothy mix.)

• Lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• Banana
• Blueberries (1 container)
• Pineapple chunks (fresh)
• Dates (fresh)
• Mango
• Mint (homegrown, in season)

(Probiotic Yogurt for the fruit smoothy, and ice, also a tablespoon of flax seeds—if you want to stay "regular".  Again, Liberté’s Svelte Bio is particularly good for the yogurt.)

For other recipes on this blog, please check out the following posts:

• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September 22, 2008)

 

By chance, on Thanksgiving eve, I received notification that two more Boston charities were to be given my artwork for display.  I greatly appreciate how The Art Connection makes artist donorship possible, even for those who no longer live in the area.  I became involved with the Art Connection in 2006, and feel proud and honored to have had several dozen works chosen by 15 of their local charities in the last two years.  My artwork is now enjoyed by:

• Andrew Peabody School (A Rigorous Academic Approach with a Commitment to the Arts), Cambridge, MA
• Boston Public Health Commission (protecting, promoting, and preserverving the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly the most vunerable, Boston, MA
• Boston Rescue Mission (Transforming Lives at Risk Since 1899), Boston, MA
• Casa Esperanza (a bilingual bicultural Latino community sanctuary for those overcoming homelessness and/or addictions), Boston, MA
• CFCS_TLC (Cambridge Family and Children’s Sevice—Teens Learning Choices Programme), Cambridge, MA
• Community Work Services (promoting independence through employment, for challenged indivduals), Boston, MA
• Goddard House (Serving Elders Since 1849), Jamaica Plain, MA
• HAWC (Help for Abused Women and their Children), Salem, MA
• Health Care for All (providing comprehensive, affordable, accessible, culturally competent, high quality care for everyone, especially the most vulenerable), Boston, MA
• Malden Senior Community Center (a newly developed property providing services to Malden area seniors who previously utilized a center in a windowless basement), Malden, MA
• MAP for Health (health link for MA Asian and Pacific Islanders), Boston, MA
• Sherrill House, (a not-for proflt skilled nursing and rehabiliation Center), Jamaica Plain, MA
• St. Francis House (largest day shelter for the poor and homeless in New England), Boston, MA
• Triangle Inc (helping people with disabiliites), Malden, MA
• Year Up Inc (helping urban young adults), Boston, MA

 

In keeping with today’s food/Thanksgiving theme, the image at the start of this post is called "Ripe," and comes from the trilogy, "Ripe, Sweet, and Lonely," at St. Francis House (each image: 24 x 24, oil on canvas, 2005).  "Sweet" is inserted above this note, and "Lonely" below it. Thanksgiving is a great time to send kind wishes to, and care for, the "ripe," the "sweet," and the "lonely" —in the environment where this artwork is now on display, and beyond.  What a suitable home these paintings have found! 

 

Interestingly, The Art Connection is working on a "pilot project" at St. Francis House.  Accordingly, they asked me to write about the the pieces I have hanging there, including the "Ripe, Sweet, and Lonely" trilogy. In an effort to make art placements a bit more educational for clients, a statement from the artist, it’s hoped, can help give the viewer a better understanding of the work. This is what I wrote:

 "Ripe," "Sweet," and "Lonely":  three things I thought about while painting this trilogy.  Even though I’m ripe (all grown-up) and sweet (kind), I’m often lonely (as a single adult), just like so many others out there.  People might be compared to fruit, with outside (skin) and inside (taste) provoking different responses  Also, fruit cut up into pieces (like for a salad), can be arranged on the plate in a variety of ways.  Some fruits are placed close together and/or touch.  Others end up further apart.  Each of the three paintings focus on one description—the" ripe," the "sweet," or the "lonely"—and they are intended to be arranged in that order, from left to right.  I am quite comfortable painting food, as well as writing about it.  As an art therapist, I had a book published called, More Than Just a Meal:  The Art of Eating Disorders. (2000).  Also, when I didn’t get into a conventional landscape painting class at SMFA (the Museum of Fine Arts School, Boston) I decided to create my own landscapes in other ways.  Food offers many possibilities and gives much cause for thought.  There is not only the selecting and arranging of it, but the eating (to celebrate) that comes afterwards.  In my earlier work (to which these paintings belong) I came to like using pale blue backgrounds.  They show reflections and shadows well, especially when objects are not crowded together.  I also like the softness (and restfulness) of this color, and the contrasts it can encourage.  All the fruits painted in the "ripe, " sweet," and "lonely" set are among my favorites.  Their shapes, colors, textures, and flavors each have their own significance, as well as work well together.  As with most of the artwork I create, I don’t  like to create one-off single pieces.  I also prefer to work on several pieces simultaneously, going from one to the next, consistently.

To view more of my "food art," please check out the Snack Happy! and Buon Appetito! collections as well as the Representational Gallery, all on the DocSusan website.

 

THIS BLOG ENTRY IS A FOLLOW-UP TO 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly.Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images - November 10, 2008.) 

Synchronicity is interesting!  A Today Show segment, November 8, 08, discussed the healthiest food choices for dogs, and what to avoid.  The interviewee, pet expert, Andrea Arden raved about Wellness.  (Please check out an earlier blog entry of mine, Dog Food that’s Safe and Delicious, March 20, 2007.)

Wellness is likely one the best commercial brands on the market, for now, and Lev and Sage have been enjoying two of their more recent products, "Just For Puppy Treats" and" Small Breed Supermix 5."  Though both dogs are really out of the age range for these, they seem to thrive on them. The one packet of their "Just for Seniors" that we tried had a funny smell and texture.  After Lev and Sage struggled to finish it, I decided the product wasn’t for us.  Also, some of the canned (soft) food seemed to upset both dogs’ stomachs and give them bad breath…

Following Sage’s oral surgery, I had little choice but to try making dog food myself, something that would give the little chap essential nutrients for a speedy recovery and not have to be crunched.  As you’ll know from other blog entries, I don’t tend to record exact ingredients or instructions (The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones, September 25, 2008;  The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups, September 22, 2008)  Here is what I used (roughly) for the dog food: 

Ingredients for Dog Food, with Chicken or Beef as Primary Protein
(all fresh, not frozen)

• 2 large heads of broccoli
• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1 pack of baby carrots
• 1 pack of Lundberg Short Grain Brown Rice
• 2 cups of flaxmeal
• 4 packs of minced chicken
• 2 packs of minced beef
• Extra virgin olive oil (to cook the meat)
• A couple of cups of water, for cooking and blending ingredients

Cooking

Microwave all ingredients (separately) except the meat and poultry, which are cooked on the stove (also separately) in a large frying pan with a dash of olive oil.

Semi-Purée

All ingredients are blended except the rice, which remains whole and is added in last.  

Portioning

Two thirds of the vegetables and starches are mixed with the chicken and one third with the beef.  

32 (snack-food size) containers of freezable food are made in total—5 - 6 meal helpings in each, depending on the pet’s size and whether anything else is added at mealtime. There are 12 containers with beef and 20 with chicken.

I decided to start Sage off with the beef, since there’d be more iron with that (and he’d lost quite a bit of blood).

Food Toppers

To make the food more nutritious and interesting, I bought the following food toppers to sprinkle before serving:

• The Missing Link Canine Formula
• Liver Sprinkle
• Salmon Flakes

Preparation Time

Approximately two hours (+ shopping time).

Supply

Approximately 6 weeks’ worth of food (that freezes and defrosts well).

Please Note

I am not an expert in pet nutrition, but relied on common sense, enthusiasm and creativity for this project.  Even if these recipes aren’t perfect, likely they’re a lot better than most store-bought options.

Some Important Considerations for My Home-Cooking, Whether for Caninekind or Humans:

1.  Choose unprocessed ingredients.
2.  Prepare with love and care.
3.  Remember that what goes in must come out (hopefully, with good consistency and color, no stink).
4.  Be aware how breath smells after eating:  bad isn’t good.
5.  Note that less equals more.  A little can go a long way.
6.  Don’t forget the "yum" factor.  Food that’s eaten eagerly, must be tasty.

FOR OTHER BLOG ENTRIES RELATED TO HEALTH AND WELLBEING (and Sage’s history), please check out:  

• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)

• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)

• Holistic Dental Hygiene: For Dogs and Their Humans (March 4, 2008)

• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007) 

 

Anne Curry spoke by phone (live) from Kilimanjaro, today. Yes, breathing might be difficult, but wireless connections do work almost all the way to the top.  Many guides have cell phones, and chat and text frequently, while taking breaks!

How is Anne really doing?  Something viewers, and the other presenters, are clearly wondering.  Her voice definitely sounds like she’s experiencing altitude sickness.  Also, she must be fatigued from the climb, and the thinner air makes it difficult to speak normally.  Despite this, it’s obvious her spirits are high, as she confirmed.  What an accomplishment—not only to participate on the ascent, but to work as hard as she has done by bringing us such insightful, unique, and careful reporting, regardless of obstacles!*

The MSNBC crew are now at 15,700 feet, where, we’re told, they will have several days to adjust and relax.  Rest, perseverance, and teamwork, will, hopefully, see them through!  In my experience, the last 4,000 feet come more easily, thanks to the added benefits of Diamox, hand-warmers, adrenaline, warm clothes and water, and lots of faith.  Also, very important to know, Tanzanian guides and porters are incredible!

 

Be assured, each climber will be assisted and/or encouraged every step of the way from here on in—and checked with a pulse oximeter, frequently!  Also, please know that when I made it to the top on my own climb, I wasn’t able to take any photos or video footage.  The agony—and ecstasy—were simply too great!

All the best to Anne and her team. Even if the Today Show climbers don’t make it all the way, they’ve still given us a wonderful gift.  * The focus on water conservation—the real purpose of the trip—has been inspiring!  Most people who climb Kilimanjaro return home with life-changing/saving ideas, that hopefully will translate into actions, big or small.  I made a personal list, shared in a blog piece entitled, Lessons from Kilimanjaro (January 11, 2008). 

For further information on climbing Kilimanjaro, and firsthand accounting, please check out other earlier blog entries, listed in yesterday’s (November 17, 08) blog piece:  Anne Curry Climbs Kilimanjaro: “Today Show” Goes to the Ends of the Earth to Examine Life-Sustaining Sources of Water and Threats to Them.

For further details on how to become more "green," please check out NBC Universal’s Green Your Routine links.

Two weeks ago, I was at Wholefoods (Hazelton Lanes) and discovered Pom’s new line of lighter tea drinks.  They were $3.99 each.  A little pricey, I thought.  Last week, I was at Loblaws (Bathurst and St. Clair) and found the same drinks for $2.99 each—one dollar less. Not a small amount!  Last night, back at Wholefoods, I noticed a display of Pom Teas close to the cash, obviously for last-minute/impulse purchases. This prompted me to ask a Wholefoods team member if they "price-matched."  Instead of simply saying, "No," she volunteered three reasons whey they don’t:  (1) They are good to their employees, and start them off at $2.50 more an hour than anywhere else. (2) They offer food samples. (3) Customers can bring food back after tasting it if they don’t like it.  She then told me to wait a minute while she checked with team leaders. Naively, I wondered if a one-time goodwill discount was being arranged. On the contrary!  Another fact was transmitted as to why Loblaws is more price-smart.  Apparently, they have 1200 stores…and Wholefoods is unique in Yorkville.  Exiting Wholefoods, a little perplexed by the justifications, I looked back over my shoulder and witnessed sniggering team members. I’d like to hope that the price issue, and my raising it, wasn’t cause for their amusement.

 

As discussed earlier in this blog, everyone seems to have time for a new puppy.  It’s also important to make a fuss of older dogs—recognize when they might be ailing and see to their every need. Checking they’re as comfortable as possible takes effort and requires greater responsiblity than some owners are prepared (or able to) assume.

Earlier blog entries (listed at the bottom of this entry), show that Sage’s health has been troubling for a while. And, this week, it was time for his big op.  We needed to make a spontaneous decision that will, hopefully, add many years to his precious little life.  He had 19 teeth removed!  

Beware! If your small dog is sneezing a lot and has stinky breath, no matter how well you supervise their  oral health, the problem may be beyond your control.  Size, genetic predisposition, and (previous) misdiagnosis, as well as insufficient attention to detail, can factor in and effect (appropriate) treatment options (and outcomes).  

When I picked Sage up from VEC, last Thursday night, he was still blood-stained and had a bleeding nose and low blood sugar.  He was a heap in my arms:  glazed eyes, tearful, whimpering, and a shadow of his regular self.  Dr. Sharon French’s surgery had been careful and kind (like her), but significant inconsistency among other employees at the clinic is obvious (perhaps why feedback forms are now offered at the counter).  The animal care attendant’s hand-over of a post-op animal felt abrupt and disconcerting—quite unlike the receptionist’s check-in pre-op. 

The photos included below tell the tale of 48 hours in the life a little dog, pre- and post-op.  

• The last bone (the night before surgery).

• Big Yawn (full set of teeth).

• Carried home, and nestled in a bag, tinged with pink (blood stained) and sleepy (the evening following the surgery).

•  A little walk and sniff on a nice autumn day (the day after the surgery), with a new outfit to stay warm (pink bandage from intravenous).

• First proper meal. Homemade dog food!  (Dog food recipes will follow in another blog entry.)

• Big sister Lev, finished her meal, oversees Sage.

• Lev ready to finish off Sage’s meal should he not pay attention.

• Homemade dog food, the first vat.

• Containers of homemade dog food for freezer.

Little animals, like young children, can get sick very quickly, unable to tell us till their conditions are critical  But, the good news is that they can also get better quickly, when cared for properly and expediently.  

For other blog entries relating to Pet Health and Well-being (and Sage’s history), please check out: 

• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Holistic Dental Hygiene: For Dogs and Their Humans (March 4, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)

The energy in this historic city is very positive right now!  At a time of worldwide slump, Liverpool wraps up its year as European Capital of Culture on a high note.  The opening of Phase Two of Liverpool One by HRH Princess Anne, last Wednesday, has been a boost for the city, country, and beyond.  Looking through guest comments for Liverpool One, it seems a lot of other expat. Liverpudlians, including a bunch of Canadians, have already given rave reviews.

Liverpool, it’s clear, is back on the map—a pedestrian delight, encompassing the (once again) aptly named Paradise Street!  It will be interesting to see what happens when the newness and excitement from Liverpool One’s completion wear off.  But, noticing how proud Liverpudlians appear to have been made to feel, let’s stay optimistic!

 

Many European travelers have quickly discovered this jewel of shopping/entertainment venues (photo above). Added to the culture and history Liverpool, itself, already provides, there’s now a sophisticated urban do-it-all get-away destination that won’t disappoint locals or tourists.  Don’t worry about the weather.  "Scousers" with their down-to-earth and fun ways can make up for that!  Time to provide more direct routings from North America to Liverpool, without the need to detour via Manchester or London!  (British Midland, Air Canada, Continental listen up!)

 

Stopping over in New York on the way to Liverpool, I spent last Sunday at MOMA (The Museum of Modern Art).  My photos from that visit were on the same disc as those from Liverpool One.  Walkways and views, it’s clear, create interesting parallels between the two very distinct locations (as the MOMA photo, above, shows).  Liverpool One is not only a great place to shop and eat, but an interesting architectural feat, a treat for photographers and design enthusiasts of all levels.

More on Liverpool One:  Please check out my June 11 blog entry, "Liverpool One Wins—Helps Make a Once-Great City Great Again."

 

Cookies and scones come in various sizes.  Do you realize you’ll usually eat the same amount regardless of size?  This is why I’ve come up with three sizes:  small, medium, and large (as shown in the photo above).  The small are just for a quick nibble.  It’s easy to eat 1 - 4  of them at any time between meals.  The medium are a little more substantial.  These are for formal snack-times. 1 -2  are recommend at a sitting. The large are meal, or meal-replacement size, where 1 to 1.5 should suffice.  It’s hard to find healthy store-baked treats. Instead of a trip down there, and in the same amount of time, it’s possible and easier to make your own!

Please note, I choose to use Bob’s Red Mill products for most of my baking needs.  Their range and quality are superb.  (You can find these at Wholefoods and many other health-conscious grocery stores.)

Bits of Everything
(The not quite a cookie cookie)

• 4 cups ground almonds
• 2 - 3  cups muesli
• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup oat bran flour
• 8 oz honey
• quarter cup flax seeds
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (including Goji Berries)
• 8 egg whites
• Spray oil
• Baking powder

Quantities might not be exact.  Experiment, and so long as the mixture holds together and can be molded you should be fine.

Mix everything together then form and bake on three different trays, till light golden brown.  (20 - 25 minutes at 375 degrees in a preheated oven).  Check that there’s no sog in the middle of the cookies, with a tester. Remove from the trays as soon as possible, to cool.

Amounts made:  16 large (meal replacement size);  24 medium (snack size); 35 small (bite size)

Garden Scones
(Savory)

• sage
• chives
• 3 cups oat flour
• 1 cup quinoa flour
• 1 cup flax seed flour
• 1.5 cups probiotic yogurt
• 4 eggs
• 1 stick of butter
• 2 cups grated goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• salt and pepper

Quantities might not be exact.  Experiment, and so long as the mixture holds together and is dough-like, you should be fine. 

Mix everything together and dust the baking tray with quinoa flour. Once they’ve been cut, place the scones closely together for baking.  Preheat the oven to 450 degrees then bake for 15 minutes, or till golden brown and firm (no sog in the middle).

These scones can be served with butter or goat cheese spread, even humus or advocado—whatever takes your fancy.

These are called "Garden Scones" because I was fortunate to use my own homegrown herbs.

 

Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen watching my mother.  She’s still meticulous following recipes, even after cooking for almost 70 years.  No exact instructions for me! Observations and taste buds take over. With a little understanding of formulas and ingredients, I’ve discovered it’s hard to go wrong.  Also, cooking in bulk is cost-, time-, and mess-efficient.  Make large quantities and freeze—even, and especially, as a "one."  Nice to have someone else to cook for/appreciate what you’ve made. However, dipping into the freezer for meals and treats prepared in advance can feel like someone else might have cooked for you!  Self-nurturing, by choice or out of necessity, can be as creative as it is satisfying…and healthy.

Soups need sautéed onions and lots of vegetables, and should be puréed/liquidized.  Adding fruit juice and garden herbs makes them all the more nutritious and tasty.  Fall is a great time to store up for winter, especially when there’s such interesting produce being harvested locally.

8 Squash Medley

• 8 giant squash (each one being of a different variety)—baked till cooked through
• 6 giant white onions—sautéed till golden brown
• EVOA (Extra virgin olive oil) to sautée the onions
• 2 cups apple sauce
• 3 cups orange cranberry juice
• salt and pepper to season
• chives (from garden if possible)—cut up and added after making purée

Blend all ingredients together for a thick sweet main-course soup.

Curried Parsnip with Caraway

• 4 bags parsnips (approximately 1 - 2lbs each)—baked till cooked through
• 6 giant white onions—sautéed till golden brown
• EVOA (Extra virgin olive oil) to sautée the onions
• 1.5 cups orange cranberry juice
• 3 cups orange cranberry juice
• salt and pepper to season
• curry powder to season
• caraway seeds to season

Blend all ingredients together for a thick spicy main-course soup.

 

There’s no better way to get to know your own city than by having visitors in town—a chance to do things you wouldn’t usually, and become more aware of what’s on offer. This past weekend was a good one, event- and weather-wise, to check out places and happenings I hadn’t before:

• The Beach Celtic Festival
Organizers made a point of stating this was a "Beach" activity (not a Toronto one), clarifying, to friends from New York and Boston how the Beaches are a distinct community (from Toronto) and proud to be one. There was a fun atmosphere and a variety of performers.  Fathers as well as daughters had a chance to display their community spirit and dance routines!  (Please see photo at the start of this blog entry.)

• Queen West Art Crawl
Knowing the amount of work and expense that goes into putting up individual displays, I’m not sure how participants might have felt or how the jurying and set-up processes went.  The overall impression/quality appeared mediocre and disappointing to those from other parts.

• Paws Way
This is a "pet discovery" center that appeals to all, non-pet-lovers included, with its animal heroism exhibits and themed lecture series.  The hours and information services are also user-friendly, especially for later on a rainy Saturday afternoon.  (Not clear who the creators/sponsors of this venture are, but the Purina logo is included.)

• The Drake Hotel
Yes, they do make the best afternoon tea scones in town (apart from my own), and the comfort food at the bar isn’t bad either.  Edamame followed by grilled cheese, with champagne, proved an interesting combination!

• Gladstone Hotel
Their Saturday night Karaoke is a lot of fun, for participants and listeners!

• Chippy’s on Queen
If you’ve not tasted the "real thing," these may be as good as it gets in the ‘hood. We didn’t like the cooks touching money and (?), and then the food, without washing their hands in between.  But, a line was building, and maybe they were short-staffed. Can’t really go wrong with chips when they’re home-cut. However, the batter on the fish was a tad crunchy/heavy…  That said, it’s a nice concept and there’s a good menu and price range. The $7.99 (cod) can be enough for two!

 

Last Friday evening, passing through Yorkville, I noticed a bunch of empty tables:  at Sassafraz, Café Nervosa, Dimmi, Remy’s, Lettieri—all the usual hangout corners.  At  6:30 - 7:00 pm you could take your pick.  So, spontaneously, I decided to stick around:  choose a restaurant where I’d not been before—Flow.  Since the dogs were with me, this worked out well. They could perch on the perimeter hedge of the patio in the comfort of their travel bag, with a view out onto the Hazleton Hotel and One.  The waiters were attentive and kind.  A large bowl of iced water was served to them, and a sliver of duck from a complimentary amuse gueule.  My own dinner of blackened cod and root fries, followed by meringue, was also nicely presented and delicious.  It’s very easy to (be made to) feel uncomfortable when dining solo. But, for some reason, I had the contrary experience here.  By 8ish the Ronnie Hawkins Band was heating up on the roof of an adjacent parking lot and the rain had started to come down.  The night was just beginning, and the opening weekend of the Toronto International Film Festival underway…

Fed up with Air Transat’s/Thomas Cooke’s Toronto-Manchester (UK) service (described in a previous blog entry, Charter Flights, May 26, 08), I’ve been fortunate to be able to try a different Manchester-bound routing.  Happening to be in Chicago last month, I flew BMI from there to Manchester, direct (and back).  The results were positive:  a more comfortable plane, friendlier crew, better baggage allowance and food, a nice variety of free magazines, personal entertainment systems in each seat, and less fuss at booking and check-in, also 20-minute early arrivals (both ways) with speedy baggage delivery.

The only disappointment was Chicago O’Hare’s International Terminal, where there are limited nutrition options once you go through security. (Bring your own food!)  Toronto’s renovated Pearson can definitely set an example here (if you are up for paying the price).  BMI doesn’t have a Toronto service, unfortunately. 

Interesting to note:  BMI crew stay at the Holiday Inn, Chicago Mart Plaza—another favorite of mine!

 

Labor Day weekend comes around too quickly for those who live in colder climates.  It marks the official end of a summer that’s always too short, and (commercial) reminders pop up everywhere, heralding harvest-time.  (Chrysanthe)mums are beautiful flowers, but they’re also hardy—can withstand crisper nights and mornings.  Then there’s the amazing array of squash that start to fill grocers’ stands. Time to make purée (adding cider, onions, and apple) and stock the freezer with vats of home-made soup, ready for dreary winter days ahead. Even those of us who don’t think we have rituals usually do. Maybe they’re as simple as displaying and sampling seasonal produce!  Mums and squash are two of my most familiar, and favorite, overtures into fall.  What are yours?

 

Last weekend, on an overcast Saturday afternoon, the restaurant at Debenham’s in the new Liverpool One was bustling.  There was a menu card on every table advertising chocolate soups.  But, from what we saw, we were the only customers ordering one.  The "hubble bubble" looked good in the photo (and as above), but, according to my niece, a chocolate aficionado, it was a little disappointing.  So, off to the plush new two-storey Costa Coffee on the corner of Lord Street we went, and found a triple chocolate muffin.  This got a five star rating, and satiated her craving!  They also have soya milk latté there—and it rivals Canada’s Lettieri’s.

 

I’m back to indulging in the occasional soya latte!  And, at Yonge/St. Clair (on St. Clair) it’s from Lettieri.  The other morning, a heart formed on top (as pictured above).  Fun!  You’ll also find Hero Certified Burgers in the same premise—the best (healthiest and most creative) burgers in town. Try their Wild Alaskan Salmon Filet or Soul burgers for a change. Yum!

p.s. Regular readers might remember my Unscientific Study of Coffee from July 19, 07 

 

These can be found in Killarney at Herbert Fisheries.  Maybe because the fish is caught fresh, and you see it being prepared? Maybe because country air and exercise give you an appetite?  Maybe because there aren’t many other options in the area?  Whatever the case, this ever-busy stand keeps visitors lining up—and satiated!  Most important, the batter is light and right—nutritious and delicious!

 

 

Little wonder there needs to be public service announcements advising against drinking and driving (while operating water vehicles).  The LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) occupies prime real estate in popular lakeside locations.  In Killarney and Port Carling, their properties are waterfront.  Look at Port Carling’s pick-up dock (in the photo posted above).  On a recent road trip through Northern Ontario, no matter the basics communities seemed to lack, government liquor stores appeared prominent and dominant.  Maclean’s Canada Day double issue, with a feature offering the "startling facts" about Canadians vs Americans" gave interesting statistcs. Apparently, 27% of Canadians conusme alcholhoic drinks "at least ‘a few times a week’" compared to 19% of Americans.  Also, 1.3% of Canadians’ household expenditure goes on alcohol compared to 1% of Americans’.

Long solo drives (like Chicago-Toronto) require easy snacking and easy listening.  When there’s no one sitting next to you to pass treats, change a CD, or take over the driving, it’s important to know how to be self-reliant.  Experience has taught me to eat right and light.  Pringles’ small Grab and Go containers (2.8oz/80g) are about as easy a solution as possible for a quick tasty bite that doesn’t make the steering wheel sticky.  They’re also easy to get out of the pack—wedge between the legs and don’t crumb. The Sour Cream and Onion have just enough seasoning, without leaving a strong after-taste.  For entertainment, the Ipod works great—that is if you’ve programed a play-list.  No CDs to change or screen to look at. Just plug in and go!

There’s so much more to England than its capital, London—something I rediscovered earlier this month, visiting childhood haunts in the North West.  

A stroll along Otterspool’s Promenade, overlooking the River Mersey on a Saturday evening. 

 

A walk around the "lake" at West Kirby (on the Wirral Peninsula) on a Sunday afternoon. 

 

A trek over to Hilbre Island on a quiet weekday.

 

Then there were new dining experiences… British food can’t be described as "bad" anymore!  In Liverpool, on Church Street, just off Penny Lane, and all along Allerton Road, a wide variety of restaurants are popping up.  We tried Spire and weren’t disappointed.  Healthy fare, satisfying portions nicely arranged, and friendly service.

In West Kirby, opposite the promenade, there’s the Sunset Lounge Bar.  It’s been there for the last 21 years, and we signed a petition, at the owner’s urging, that the local council not close it down for redevelopment.  A delicious mid-afternoon lunch snack hit the spot—well prepared food and old-world charm, good fuel for that walk around the lake.  No!  Visitors are not walking on water (in the Weskirb photo); the divide between the "lake" and inlet has a creative and historic walking trail.  And, looking off into the distance, some more modern/incongruent constructions are clearly visible:  wind turbines opposite Hoylake’s shoreline, the next resort over. Energy-saving opportunities are changing natural land and sea scapes everywhere, even here.

 

 

It’s like Liverpool hit the fast-forward button all of a sudden!  As somebody who hasn’t lived there for more than a quarter of century, its a lot easier for me to see this.  First came the Albert Dock complex, then the Capital of Culture, and now Liverpool One. 

Though there’s still hard hats, cranes, and construction everywhere, on a beautiful sunny day, this week, I was thrilled to see my hometown revived and bustling.

 

Please check out some of the posters inserted below that tell a little more about this new landmark.

 

Better still, go visit Liverpool.  You will be surprised, delighted, and entertained.  The shopping isn’t bad either…

When more carefully manicured cities, like Toronto, feel bereft of ambiance and energy in comparison, it’s clear something is working right in Liverpool.  The graphic design for its construction posters (inserted above), also helps with mood.  I couldn’t think of a city where the heart symbol fits better. You can say a lot else about Liverpudlians, but you can’t deny their friendliness, directness, humor, spirit and heart.  HeArTs off to them!  

Christopher Hart (no heart-typo) made this interesting comment in a Times Culture supplement after Paul McCartney’s recent Liverpool concert, "It’s a battered and bleeding heavyweight of a city, struggling to haul itsel off the canvas.  But it has an astonishing charisma—and I can still hear the sound of 35,000 voices ringing in my ears, singing about "times of trouble" and "all the lonely people" and "take a sad song and make it better."

A comment on the Liverpool 08 home page by Alexei Sayle states, "I’ve been all over the world looking for excitement, and it turns out that the most thrilling town I’ve ever visited is the one I was born in."  Right now, many non-resident Liverpudlians will find it hard not to agree!

 

With extended trips to Chicago in April and May, I have a growing list of recommendations for visitors. Even without much time to get out and about, because of "show schedules," I’ve been very impressed by what this city has to offer, and the well-known friendliness and kindness of locals.
 
You can’t have a bad meal, as the following easy-dining eateries demonstrated (in no particular order):

• Fulton’s On the River (fish)
• Ben Pau (Asian)
• Tizi Melloul (Mediterranean)
• The Brick House (fun)
• Shaw’s Crab House (fish)
• Lou Malnatis (pizza)
• McCormick & Schmick’s (fish)

And, for take-out, Fox and Obel (gourmet foods), close to Navy Pier, is hard to beat.

Spectacular architecture is everywhere. Don’t miss the legendary architectural boat tour that has the best views. You might even notice a city kayaker alongside.

 

Then, for a spot of exercise, check out the incredible East Bank Club (Oprah’s gym). A friend kindly invited me to a yoga class there.  The studio it was held in overlooked the river as the sun went down, making the experience all the more pleasurable.

And, for animal-lovers, missing pets or thinking of adoption, a visit to The Anti-Cruelty Society (157 Grand Avenue) is encouraging.  It occupies a whole city block and has a "transparency policy," domestic animals in-care viewable through all windows. 

 

Alternatively, a quick walk through Lincoln Park Zoo, in easy-reach of downtown, offers a more exotic break.

Nature and entertainment aren’t forgotten outside of parks, either—even on ("Magnificent") Michigan Ave.  Check out the Saturday afternoon street-performers. And then there’s all those shops…

 

But, if you are in town for "business," like I was, there’s other priorities, and staying at the Holiday Inn Merchandise Mart Plaza helped—consistently a comfortable, caring, and convenient environment.

Though I haven’t tried it yet, a Segway Tour is on my list of "must-dos" for next time.  I’d also like an evening out on Rush, which seems like a lot of fun…

With all Chicago’s summer festivals, as well as museums, galleries, parks, and lakefront, I really look forward to more visits to this super-friendly city, that’s clearly a shining example to others in so many ways.

Many tourists seem to be impressed with Toronto’s cleanliness. However, unfortunately, its warmth, joie de vivre, welcome, and energy aren’t quite as remarkable.  Locals point out obstacles too, like in Peter Kultenbrouwer’s May 10, 08 National Post article about Yonge-Dundas Square, "A public square that isn’t public."

 

The National Confectioners’ All Candy Expo is the most fun trade show I’ve attended. Since I enjoy painting candy, it was a great way to view (and sample) new still-life possibilities. Therapy and writing conferences might be stimulating, but they can’t compete. Held in Chicago at McCormick Place, May 20 - 23, 08, ACE also gave me a chance to spend more time in the US’s friendliest city. (A blog entry, "Chicago, My Kind of Town," coming next!)

All types of goodies were represented at ACE, and my favorite exhibitors (in no specific order) included:

Jelly Belly (beans)

Necco (hearts)

Pure Fun (candies)

Mama Mellace’s Naturals (nuts)

Black Opal Licorice

Melville Candy (lollipops)

Choclatique (organic hand-painted chocolate)

MarebluNaturals (crunch cubes)

Little i (mints)

Jelly Belly’s 110th Anniversary Party, hosted by Herm Rowland (Chairman of the Board), topped the list of most unusual entertainments and show hightlight. David Garibaldi, whose father happens to work for the company, put on an outstanding performance.

 

Garibaldi paints, dances, delights and amazes with his stunning portraiture. He’s also fun to talk to! At the end of the evening, guests went home with a Waterford Crystal commemorative Jelly Bean (that I’ll treasure)!

Despite ACE’s festive atmosphere, more serious political divides still weighed on some attendees’ minds…

 

"That’s nice!", "Well done!"  "Good for you!" "Great job!" "Keep up the good work!" Kudos is always appreciated, with a little encouragement going a long way.  However, it’s not always forthcoming—especially at times when needed most, and from those we’d like to have issue it.  And then there’s that magical two-word phrase, frequently forgotten, "Thank you!"  

Whether you’ve cooked for dinner guests, made matches between acquaintances, or looked after a friend’s cat, it’s always nice to be acknowledged and appreciated.  But, the more you give out, too often, the less this happens.  Feeling overlooked and taken for granted, continually, can take its toll—make us behave in ways we might not instinctively.  Enter the era of the "cautious" and "jaded."  Sadly, the notion of "once bitten, twice shy", can ring louder than ever.  

Self-absorption, becoming a predominant character trait in western society, today, it’s not surprising that "Please" is missing from many people’s requests.  And, without a "Please," it’s unlikely there’ll be a "Thank you."  Positive change happens one person at a time—personal displays of good manners and respect helping more than might be realized.  Seeing how giving the gift of a "Please," Thank you," or "Well done" can boost someone else’s spirits, can be a great first step in feeling better about yourself too!

It was great to be back in Boston last weekend, albeit just for an overnight visit.  This city stirs so much positive energy for me.  Good friends and an environment that’s quaint, cultured, and progressive seems to entice locals as well as travelers.  Spring blossoms and time with special friends, of course, were bonuses!  

The last time I was in Boston was Labor Day weekend, and much has changed since then.  Soon-to-be landmarks are now open—or almost:

• The Liberty Hotel, on Charles Street, with its bars and restaurants.

Check out the unique refurbished jail cells, with "light shows."  Then, go downstairs for a meal at Scampo. The food is well-prepared and presented. It’s just the acoustics that need a little work.  You may lose your voice tying to have a conversation with dining companions!

• The Mandarin Hotel, on Boylston Street

• The New Apple Store, on Boylston Street scheduled to open today (May 14, 08).

Although I (like many others) have found the Macbook Air to have a few unexpected kinks, I am still a big fan of everything Apple, and this is a super location.

Saturday lunch was at Stephanie’s. But, unfortunately memories were better than actualities.  Somewhat disorganized and dirty, and not quite as delicious, I wondered what was happening there. Sunday breakfast was at the Panficio Cafe. Clean, efficient, and very delicious, this is definitely a must-try.

Boston has something for everyone, and it certainly loves its parades.  I came across two of them, by chance.  On Saturday, "Youth Pride" on Boston Common.  On Sunday, "Duckling Day Parade," along Charles Street and on to Boston Public Garden.

 

Special occasions often call for unique settings in which to celebrate.  These are places that you visit once, hoping to experience something out of the ordinary—not with the notion of getting a "good deal."

Recently, I joined friends for a one-of-a-kind evening at C5 (the restaurant/lounge under the ROM’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal). What we will remember most about the venue:  high prices, miniscule portions, unique decor.

At this new Toronto dining attraction, you’re clearly paying for ambiance and originality.  Though the food is tasty (what there is of it), those not on calorie controlled diets may need to go home to a hearty meal later—or fill up on treats at a movie afterwards, as we ended up doing.

  

Even after studying beginner Italian for three semesters at the Toronto’s Italian Cultural Institute, and buying a bunch of self-help books and tapes, I wasn’t confident enough to speak the language once in Florence (for the Biennale). However, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of being there, and sensing what was said and written—taking in the ambiance, mood, and energy. In Italy, la dolce vita (the good life) is energizing, especially when a stark Canadian winter sets in.  At a quick glance, here is some of what seems to matter:  art(s), food, hairdressers, individuality, laughter, playfulness, style, uniqueness

Food tastes different—fruit and vegetables smell like they’re supposed to (haven’t been forced or altered), and time is taken over meals. Friends gather in large groups and share what’s on the table—at home and in restaurants.  There’s a lot there, but servings are adequate, not excessive.  People learn how to dine, course by course, and interact while eating, from an early age.  They also are seen out walking on a daily basis.

There may be chaos surrounding organized events and activities, but everything gets done, just in time, and happens how it’s supposed to.  Along the way, it might be realized that biggest isn’t necessarily be best.  More intimate gatherings and personal/neighborly relationships prevail.  Instead of being home alone, many are out doing their daily grocery shop, or frequenting destinations in easy reach, by foot.  The streets bustle with locals engaged in habitual activities that have existed for generations:  going to mass, errecting and taking down market stands, or standing up for an aperitif and antipasto at a corner bar. Even well-known bursts of rain don’t stop everyday life, or visitors.

 

A few local tried and proven recommendations in Firenze include:  Carlo Bay: haircare; Cellai: hotel accomodation; Grom: gelato;  Madova: gloves; Muniaciello: pizza, cocktails, music, Rivoire: lunch, pastries, home-made chocolate; Zaza: fun, central trattoria; Zechhi: art supplies.

You Tube video footage of my participaton at the Biennale was finally posted by the Biennale crew today, in three parts. I had no clue about what they were ultimately going to do, or editorial input. You’ll find me buried inside the footage if you’re patient—in parts one and two. Not in part three, as far as I can see…

part 1 http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=00Nr_2h52E4

part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEfKwVFiy_U&feature=related

part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8nnl1xQZT8

 

(Photo:  those who made it to the top of Kilimanjaro, with self and guide) 

Even though my Kilimanjaro climb is less recent, certain lessons from it are memorable.  These include:

1.   Better sustain the cold
2.   Bathe less extravagantly
3.   Economize on clothes and possessions
4.   Stop clock-watching
5.   Take things more slowly
6.   Observe and listen
7.   Not fuss about comfort and convenience
8.   Require less sleep
9.   Sleep in uncomfortable conditions
10. Eat more simply and be less picky
11. Not need news from elsewhere
12. Take time out from electronics (TV, Internet, cell, etc.)
13. Push self further and harder, and not complain or avoid
14. Get less flustered about externals/what can’t be changed
15. Focus, no distraction, whereever and whenever
16. Chat with strangers and hear their stories
17. Open up to seizing the moment
18. Get back to basics (with everything!)
19. Assess what really matters
20. Be more fearless

Just like New Year’s resolutions, lessons learned on the trail can be hard to follow long-term, especially when there’s so many of them (and potential obstacles).  Though everyday hastles aren’t exactly the same as chance-in-a-lifetime climbing challenges, circumstances and reactions mightn’t be too different!

Poems 15 and 16 provide closure to my Tanzanian travels—reveal their legacy and an after-trip evaluation of sorts.  (Please don’t forget to check out the other Tanzania Safari Poetry blog posts before and after this one.)  Next, I’ll share the lessons of Kilimanjaro, which, I believe, helped prepare me for the Florence Biennale experience!

15.  From JRO to YYZ

It wasn’t paradise
But it was very nice

To feel, do, see without a care
In the moment
Just to be there

Coming home, not as fun
Things have changed
Inspiration won

No more half-measures
New ideas as treasures

Different perspective
More reflective

Attitude of mind
No longer to be left behind

Taking chances out of reach before
Fresh possibilities
Wide open door

Wanting more
Needing less

Pushing harder
Evaporating stress

What matters
Finding happiness

Goals simplified
Reality intensified.

16.  Trip Evaluation

Missed what was in front  
When looking behind

Missed what was within
When looking without

Regrouping, regathering
Soaping up and lathering

Coming home’s been a process
Messages mixed
Needing to be fixed

Coming home’s been a rebirth

Opportunities to do not as before
Paving the way for a whole lot more

Magic in the moment
Risk ahead of reason

Adventure needs to live
So much to give

Magic in the moment
Life is short

If we don’t do it soon
Chance is we never will

Staying with the feeling of the climb
Not wanting to run out of time

Need to make it to the top again
No matter when

No more struggle
No more muddle

Some know how
Others know now

Never want to say
I knew then

Power of doing
No more brewing

Living each new day
In a special way

Recognizing what’s good
The important understood.

 

 
Poem 14 was written on the journey home.  (Please don’t forget to check out the other Tanzania Safari Poetry blog posts before and after this one.)

14.  2 Degrees C in Toronto—Light Snow Falling

It’s a long way back from Africa
Dreams fade to realities
Magical moments diluted in airports

Travel companions shift gear
Though you’d like to hold them near

What’s been put on hold has time to unfold

2 degrees Celsius in Toronto, light snow falling
Announcement on landing

Welcome back to a world where simple pleasures easily lose focus
Ready to journey away again

Planning for what, where, when
Already.

 

Poem 13 describes final game sightings, heralding the trip’s conclusion.  (Please don’t forget to check out the other Tanzania Safari Poetry blog posts before and after this one.)

13.  Day 9

Penultimate game drive
Not as alive

Sightings less prolific
Nothing scientific

Simply, the end of the trip is nigh
Almost time to say goodbye

From more to less populous parks
Expectations and excitement, less sparks

Nature full of wonder
At the right place
In the right moment

We’ve felt it
We’ve been there
We long for it
We’ll remember it

Big beast of a jeep
Adrenaline rush
Hush!

Two cheetahs to the right
Lolling under a tree
New feeling of glee

When it’s over it’s over
Or so you think

"Hakuna Matata!"
Staying cool helps

"Caribou!"
A welcome that lasts

A family of giraffes to the left
Mother, father, three calves

Gracefully and elegantly close our trip
Of magic a real sip.

 

Poems 11 and 12 describe personalities we met along the way—highlight less typical cultural exchanges and adaptations.  (Please don’t forget to check out the other Tanzania Safari Poetry blog posts before and after this one.)

11.  Safari—Day 7

Bats by night
Bows by day

Our last tented camp
Another sleep entertained rest
Malarone dreams, the best

Wildlife squawking and screeching
Tent solid
No breaching

Electricity and water rationed
Camp hostess impassioned

Lovely Argentinean married to German
Children speak Swahili

A goddess in beads and white linen
Male travelers’ heads spinen

With the Hadzabe tribe they get to strut their stuff
Shoot arrows—just enough

Another cultural exchange

Bracelets and necklaces at a price
Reciprocity nice

Journey back
Dust hard to swallow.

12.  Safari—Day 8

Masai village resort
A transitional place
Others set the pace

Texan in charge
Enables aspiring talent to live large

Neither country nor city folk
A different life they know

A cultural exchange, quick training
Everyone gaining…or not

Masai musicians and acrobats at dinner
Later they guard our rooms
With spears, not brooms

What are they thinking?
What are we thinking?

Merging the ancient with the modern
The affluent with the down-trodden

Begging inevitable
Who are the culpable?

A future that’s hard to surge
Paths diverge

For me, not a happy feeling
We lie in our cozy beds at night
Their experience, more of a fight.

 
Poem 9 explains how campers’ fatigue had set in.  Poem 10 describes a more active way of taking in the landscape and meeting its people—cycling.  (Please don’t forget to check out the other Tanzania Safari Poetry blog posts before and after this one.)

9.  Safari—Day 6

Chips, spaghetti, canned veg and mince
Usually food that would make me wince

Last tented lunch
Ready to munch

At this point
Anything tastes good
Stomach understood.

10.  Safari—Day 7

African biking
Like its hiking

Dust, gravel, and rocks
Patience and caution
With the posterior so much contortion

The morning wind makes the awkward feel easy
A ride that’s surprisingly breezy

But, then comes the midday sun
For now, nature has won

After lunch under a shady tree
Enough for me

Banana stop
Chapatti stop
Along the way, lost en route, the momentum to stay

Village children draw near
No fear
Our food they’ll hold dear

And so our uneaten lunch we pack into a box
Gently, sweetly, the little ones share
Then comes the fox
Out of his lare

Village bully grabs what he can
That wasn’t our plan

The afternoon sun scorches
Our support vehicle hot as torches

A puncture needs to be fixed
Another adventure
Nothing nixed

Another day in Africa
Luxuriating in the moment
Not thinking about what might be elsewhere
Details swirl, but no heavy care.

 

Poems 6, 7, and 8 describe experiences in the Ngorongoro Crater area, where wildlife was more sparse and a slight safari-fatigue was manifesting.  (Please don’t forget to check out the other Tanzania Safari Poetry blog posts before and after this one.)

6.  Safari—Day 4

Into the crater we go
Flat topped Acacias
Then burnt brush
Followed by a nothingness

Hush, hush

An arid plain
Wind blowing
Few animals showing

A solitary ostrich struts her stuff
Finally a photo op.
No fears

Two old lions peruse
One ready to snooze
The other leaves to wander
Has us gazing yonder

A couple of bull elephants take a drink
"They’re old," our guide tells us
That this is a retirement area, it makes us think

Today, the energy’s not there
Day four, our expectations higher, for more to see
But that’s not reality

The Serengetti had us in another place
A faster pace
Multiple herds
More than just a trace.

7.  Monkey Picnic

Monkey picnic
Very slick

Jeeps move in
Monkeys too

Closed the roof too late
Monkey in
Monkey out
No time to hesitate
Monkey see
Monkey do

Cookies from the front seat gone
Greedy monkey eats every one

Other monkeys surround
No contest
He knows how to play the round

And soon the pack is gone

Working each hand
He makes a stand

A snarl as the camera nears
Really upped my fears

Bold male
Cannot fail

Young mother near
But away they steer

Tiny babies suckle
One of nature’s wonders
We chuckle.

8.  Afternoon Drive

Look and you shall see
If it’s meant to be

Pressure on to find a Rhino
Or, to let it go

An on the way, so much more found
By chance
Hyenas, Flamingos, Wildebeest abound

From a distance,Rhino finally spotted
Photos taken of profile

Though not close
Of excitement provides a dose.

 

Poem 5 describes the most potent people experience—with the Masai. (Please don’t forget to check out the other Tanzania Safari Poetry blog posts before and after this one.)

5.  Masai

Masai Masai everywhere

Truck in ditch
Makes them rich

One jeep pulls over to help another
Then smother smother

Children on backs of other children
The breast fed
The underfed
The snottied nose
The rings on toes

Picture, picture
Bracelet, bracelet

Haraka, haraka
Quickly, quickly

Little girls pushing sales
Make interesting tales.

Three or free
Hard to understand

From our end
Nothing planned
Clearly a routine
Can’t be mean

Dust fills the air
Nearly there

Tow chain breaks
Up go the stakes

3 jeeps hooked together
Now drizzly weather

2 pet dogs play
While in the company of the Masai we stay

Fantasies of passing the night in their huts
Could think of worse ruts

Small change spent
Time for the sinking sand to relent

Spontaneous visit done
A lot of fun
Everyone won.

 

Poems 3 and 4 are the second two Serengeti poems. (Please don’t forget to check out the other Tanzania Safari Poetry blog posts before and after this one.)

3.  Safari—Day 3/1

Warm breeze
Flapping tails
Zebras relaxing
Nothing taxing

A third game drive
The bush comes alive

Golden glow of changing light
Snow far out of site

Clear pale blue sky
Faint dustings of clouds

Another day in the life of the bush
Hush, hush

Jeep chatter
It really doesn’t matter

Nature all around
Not a sound

Waiting for something to be
Scouring for something to sight

A fight
A kill
Whatever will

Procreation
Defecation
Sensation
Elation

Ours or theirs?

Worries and cares
This hour we have none
Except with nature
To be at one.

4.  Safari, Day 3/2

From vegetation
To arid plain

From pale blue skies
To billowing clouds

From brush
to rocks

Hush in the jeep
The talkative one’s asleep

Too much excitement for one morn’
Lion cubs newly born and suckling
Lionesses devouring prey
Nothing very far away

Buffalo resting under trees
Buffalo drinking, not thinking
Diet coke can floating down stream
Garbage in a wilderness shattering a dream

Driving fast to leave the park
The vista becomes more stark

A tree here and there
Impala without a care
It’s shade they share

Alone or en groupe
They’re quite a troop

Then nothing for a while
Till jamming of breaks
Up go the stakes

Cheetah under tree

National Geographic yellow jeep
Wide angled lens pops out
Not a peep.

 

Many Kilimanjaro climbs are followed by a safari, and ours was no exception.  Also, poetic reflections kept on coming, and will be included in the blog posts immediately following.  You might also like to look back at my other poetic safari experiences from 2006:  general observations, as well as those specific to experiences in Botswana and Zambia. 

The 16 poems from the Tanzania trip have slightly different emphases and perspectives. Though there are many aha moments, the magic of first-time marveling isn’t quite as pronounced.  Also, having just climbed Kilimanjaro, any experience, no matter how special, is hard to juxtapose.

All 16 poems will be posted chronologically (over 9 blog pieces, which includes this one).  The first four poems were written in the Serengeti, which, for me, was the most potent wildlife experience. 

Poems 1 and 2 are the first two Serengeti poems.

1.  Safari, Day 2

The chorus starts well before dawn
Songs and signals
The volume rises

And still it’s dark outside
Beyond our tents so many animals hide

It’s their space
Not ours
We’re visitors here

Zipped in for the night
Nothing should we fear

Escort with bow an arrow led the way
And, in our tents, we’re supposed to stay

Window canvas open, mesh protecting
A dark clear sky is all we see
Starry, starry, starry night.

2.  Safari Recap—Day 1 - 2

Antelope, gazelles, jackals
Warthogs, lions with cubs
Hyenas and leopard
Elephants, giraffes, zebra
Wildebeest
Hippos, swallows, vultures…

To name but some that we saw
A thirst for more

And, disappointed we weren’t
Next day, a whole day drive
The feeling of being so alive

Watching in wonder and awe
Just as you thought you’d seen the best
Then came more

Dead zebra and hypo
Natural deaths

Dead jackal
Road kill

Wounded and bloodied zebra
Lion kissed but missed

Another lion charging for prey
Not fast enough
All ran away

At the watering hole they knew what to do
Flap their tails, grunt, and cry
None of them were going to die

Solitary bull giraffes
Gave us interesting views
But, a herd of elephants, our very best news

Monkeys preened
Baboons watched over lionesses and their cubs

Tourist-contained jeeps gathered in hubs

Hippos—a hundred or more
Wallowing in their pooh
The biggest outdoor loo

Crocodiles and birds provided picturesque backdrops
So many stops!
A Hamerkop’s giant nest
Oxpacka birds’ symbiosis with giraffes

So many herds
So many terds.

Art has value, and value isn’t always financial. Just as it is counterintuitive to put a price on human life, it can be the same with art.  Outsiders don’t really know what’s gone into a piece’s actualization—how much of the artist, him/herself, and how many hours of skill development and dedication.  Art’s value can be unquantifiable, but the market demands to know and set a price.  What does the market take into account?  Training, experience, reputations, originality, popularity, marketing buzz, or trends.  Much rests on possessing the right style at the right time for the right audience.  Talent and hard work might have little influence.  Those who get noticed and are in high demand might have the least to offer.  We’ve seen this in the entertainment and other (trend-setting) businesses.  Art that is precious to some might not be to others. Over time, art accrues sentimental and commercial value (that can be quite distinct from each other).  It becomes part of our homescape, and gets passed from generation to generation.  Many a time, art is able to be reproduced and gain mileage.  One piece volumized has more worth than could ever be imagined.  Sometimes, artists have the tools and ingenuity (or back-up team) to make this happen.  Most of the time, they don’t.  Alas, great art is usually recognized and acknowledged long after its creator is around to enjoy it.

Artistic creations are frequently private, but all the more interesting when shared.  The individual who makes them is often just a transmitter for the collective consciousness.  Whatever needs to be expressed, or seems to be going on in a particular environment, might appear in a painting.  If and when we’re ready to see it, we do.  Otherwise, the imagery might be enjoyed at face value.  Also, there may be nothing beneath the surface that needs to be looked into more.  Art is simple and art is complex, as are we.  We see what we want to and ignore what we don’t.  Or, we see more than we’re supposed to and make a fuss about what’s not important.  Interpretation is everything and interpretation is nothing.  Only the creator of a piece knows its real essence and intention.  Or, maybe he or she doesn’t… Anything others say about a piece can be projection.  Or, maybe they have insights that are objective.  Having some distance from the work under review—not knowing every brush stroke that’s gone into it—can enable the viewer/critic to see something the artist might have missed (or not realize is there).

For some, art can be infinite.  For others, it signals natural or man-made limitations.  Art takes money and time.  Some have a lot of both.  Most don’t, so vacillate and negotiate—try to obtain and balance the two.  Art takes money to create, it also takes money to buy.  Art takes time to create, and time costs money, as well as a whole lot more.  How much a painting costs might not be commensurate with the amount of work that’s gone into developing it.  The power to paint and the power to buy come from different sources, but are intertwined.  What’s fair and what’s not change according to who we are and what we need and can realize .  Awareness matters, as do tenacity and being able to go the distance.

Art is whatever you, as artist, or others, as viewers/critics, may want it to be—at the time of creation or afterwards.  All kinds of purposes can be served by what’s been made visible.  Whether metaphors and symbols are evident or not, various kinds of measures are made clear, from within and without—religious, political, idealistic, romantic, aesthetic, or?  Art has an unrivaled ability to give voice to secret yearnings, hidden agendas, and almost-forgotten dreams.  Art puts artist and viewer, alike, in places they might never travel in real life.  It wets the appetite and makes anything seem possible—at least in the moment.

Most artists create art because they yearn to do so.  It makes the unconscious conscious. It also has us realize that powers greater than us are at work when we least and most expect it.  The pieces we are gifted with (as creators or viewers/critics), result from creative processes that are part of a bigger picture (no pun intended) and plan.  They help put things in an out of perspective—enable us to dream, remember, wonder, forget, and more…

In order to be a professional artist these days, simply being able to make art isn’t enough.  You have to be a writer, marketer, networker, gallery aficianado—while having computer savvy too (24/7).  In addition, it’s beneficial if your resume lists formal training (from the right schools/with the right mentors).  This is aside from needing to be a handy(wo)man—knowing how to build and adjust the structures necessary for your artistic creations. Also, resources you might not be able to earn through just selling artwork can come in very handy too!

If it’s worth it, it’s going to take time—an indeterminate amount of time.  Nothing else has to matter except taking things to where they need to go, and have them feel right, or right enough.  And while it’s important to be prepared to put in as much time as needed, it’s also important to know when to stop—recognize when a piece might be finished, or have gone as far as it can go with the skills and experience that you have.  When a piece is rushed, it shows.  Every brush stroke that is deliberate reflects effort and care—respect for the work that is being accomplished.

A painting can be like a puzzle.  You don’t always know what’s going to be easy to solve and what’s not (speaking as artist, not viewer).  I try to learn from and remember every step along the way to know better for next time—have things flow more easily.  An area that seems daunting one day might not be the next.  Or, something that looked good one day, may not work out when other elements are added.  Constantly keeping the whole picture in mind may be a better way to proceed, but this can’t  always happen.  Sometimes, we get stuck on one part for no good reason.  The day goes by, and we feel no further ahead.  Then there’s the good days, when everything works, and you can’t explain why.  The brush is magic in your hands and the paint does exactly what you want it to do, or exceeds expectations.  You wonder, "Who’s painting this piece?" The same happens in writing and other expressive/creative arts.  These are moments to savor  because the times of struggle are usually a lot more familiar and frequent.  But, it’s only because of those struggles that we see the difference and appreciate what we never thought might be possible.  To understand happiness, we need to understand sadness, and so it goes with painting too.

So much of life is luck and timing—and the artist’s process can demonstrate this.  We’re fortunate if we’re able to choose what we paint, though our preferences and outcomes are usually influenced by what’s happening around us.  Painting for the Florence Biennale exhibit has given my work a purpose, focus, and appearance that it might not have had otherwise.  I was influenced by space requirements and deadlines.  I also had to be mindful of making imagery that could have universal appeal.  Then, I had to consider my repertoire—my skills, talents, history, and comfortable subject matter—what I may and may not be able to accomplish at this stage of my career.  Finally, there was the budget—an issue that I didn’t want to have prohibit the quality and dimension of my work.  But, it did.  Whether we like it or not, most artists need patronage of some sort.  Art is an expensive business and can’t be made properly without funds—especially where large public exhibits are concerned.

Being organized matters—even, and especially, as an artist.  Better painting happens for me when my desk is tidy:  correspondence caught up on and phone calls made.  Then, I can shut the door on the studio and just focus on the canvas—no distractions or rambling thoughts and preoccupations or interruptions.  Some days, I know from the start that I shouldn’t have attempted to paint at all.  There’s just too much else distracting.  Other days, I regret not carving out specific time to paint—unable to forget about everything else that has to be done and needs to take priority.  We all have different needs and obstacles and must find what works best for us individually.  For me, painting is a sacred act and privilege, something for which I need to enable quiet space and time in order to reap maximum rewards, experience-wise.  I want a piece to be as whole as possible, unpolluted by the vicissitudes of the hour.  Of course, this is an idealist attitude, but it’s nice to be able to dream and hope.  Painting is also interesting because it is influenced by surroundings and happenings, states of mind and energy levels.  Perhaps because I’ve spent some time practicing art therapy, I’m more concerned with art-making that’s product oriented than art-making connected to the exploration of emotions.  This, however, can prove more difficult when creating abstracts—or so I’ve found.

I wonder about prices a lot—what’ll be fair and what’s not, what works for me as the artist as well as for potential purchasers.  What’s value for money.  What’s value for time.  What’s value for originality and devotion—a piece of my spirit translated to and revealed on canvas.  I try not to think about the middle (wo)man—a gallery or dealer who could jump in and take 50% with an "easier sale."  It can be more prestigious to have that middle person—kind of like having an agent as a writer.  It means you’ve already been weeded out, approved, validated, or regulated and relegated—sometimes, even put your soul on the auction block.  But, just as there are iterary agents who will work with you and those that only have their own profit margins in mind, there are artists’ representatives who are like that too.  Everyone needs to make a living.  At the end of the day, consider who’s starving and who’s not.  These are thoughts constantly floating in my head, as I find it difficult to put energy into trying to get noticed, bought, and valued, while still trying to create.  This isn’t a hobby anymore!  Creating takes soooo much time and skill perfection.  Then, why do potential purchasers insist on bargaining down, like they were in a shuck haggling over a (mass-produced) souvenir memento? Do they realize the time, energy, and dedication put in to what’s been painted?  Could they ever have the skill, talent, or perseverance to make anything similar?  Do they know the real worth of the object created beyond what’s a good deal to them?   Do the bargainers respect the creations or take advantage of an artist’s need for cash to keep up the métier? Ironically, many potential buyers get paid 10 times the dollar rate for work that’s less demanding, and think nothing about submitting invoices to their clients to be paid in advance.  My rambling thoughts on this subject are not about bitterness or jealousy—they’re about others knowingly trying to take advantage.  Of course, there are some artists who let their comrades down by producing inferior work that secures higher prices, just because of hype.  This happens in fashion and other fields too.  Then there’s experience and earning your price point.  But, again, no set path is clear.  Look at Google and YouTube—how quickly they become major monetary successes.  The artist’s path is hard to juxtapose.  For some, networking is everything.  Others don’t have to network.  Regardless, most artists know when they’re doing a good job and the details don’t matter.  The work speaks for itself.  While it’s important for potential purchasers to be prepared to pay appropriate prices, it’s also important for artists to know and expect their true worth—not forget what went into the pieces they’ve made.  Those who slop things out and get big bucks for so-doing—no heart in their work—let down more serious folk.

Ironically, today, many who award grants might not really understand what the artist’s process is all about.  They’re just doing their job, and detached from the players involved.  Then there’s the peer review committees, made up of individuals who too often have their own interests and biases.  And, for those applying for grants, the competition is steep—anyone and everyone who wants to survive in an artistic field needs revenue.  If you can’t work a regular job while creating, what do you do?  Give up?  Many are forced to.  Others go into debt.  Those who keep on going, if they don’t have personal safety nets or private supporters, have to get creative with other fund raising strategies.  And, when you put your creativity into fund raising, you’re taking it out of artmaking.  There’s only so much creativity to be had.  Therefore, you have to hope for kind individuals who you can jump on board to help see you through—assisting with their business acumen to gather the necessary $$$.  Artmaking, when it’s not a hobby, but for public display and enjoyment, is a community service and gift.  An artist, in many ways, is just a transimtter—given opportunities and skills (from outside of him/herself) to put out what others might not be able to do.  Mix a little talent and energy with dedication, industry, and perseverance and a public servant is born, one who needs "patronage" (an old word seldom heard).  Yes, what happened to "patrons of the arts"—those who used to finance artists’ endeavors in front of and behind the scenes—a big reason why art history is so rich and extensive.  It’s only in the last few generations that these types of givers and doers seem to have diminished.  In an age when materialism and quick fixes appear more important than genuine hard work, creative struggle, and innovation, culture and the development and maintenance of "higher" (non-hightech) arts are in jeopardy.  The inability to find support—for the honing of skills that used to gain esteem as a matter of course—is a growing problem, not unique to artists’ predicaments.

JK Rowling discussed her sadness/loss as she completed the Harry Potter series.  Though my work isn’t of the same magnitude or duration as Rowling’s, her sentiments resonate with me.  My Biennale exhibit has been a year-long project—a huge part of my daily identity.  I’ve known such overwhelming expreriences before—for instance, after completing each one of my published (and unpublished) books and each one of my academic degrees (BA, MA, Ph.D., Fine Arts Diploma).  Even for the type of person who puts their all into what they do (professionally, academically, personally) build-up and pull-back can be immense.  They’re also a special gift to be treasured—sadly not in everyone’s reach.

Painting can be physically and mentally draining. It can also elate and energize.  When you put your whole self into your work, and concentrate hard for hours on end, don’t be surprised by how exhausted you might be by the end of a session.  Some days are easier than others, but we never know, in advance, which ones.  (Positive) attitude doesn’t always induce positive outcome.  Art-making is usually more random than formulaic (in my experience).  No matter the rituals that some painters try to set up and try to stick to, not everything can be predictable.  And, if you’re a perfectionist (like me), you’ll go on and on till things look exactly right.

My earlier paintings didn’t take me as long to complete as my later ones do.  A normal expectation would be to be speed up after gaining more experience.  Not at all.  For me, the reverse seems to be the case.  The more you know, the more nit-picking you get (at least in my case).  Standards elevate with a trained and practiced eye.  You see more and what to do even more.  You become critical and less tolerant of what might have slipped by previously.  Each and every detail matters.  Work cannot be "second-rate."  Even if no one else sees your model’s set-up, you have a responsibility for as accurate a rendering as possible (I believe).  You know what should and shouldn’t be there and want to stay true to that.  The pressure is huge, but you have to know when to back off, and learn what’s reasonable and what’s not.  Otherwise, the task becomes impossible.  Sometimes, the positioning isn’t perfect, but you consent and relent to adapt, discovering a slight divergence isn’t so bad after all.  Almost perfect is often better than completely, as you’d once hoped.  Knowing when to calm down and relax about the details is perhaps one of the hardest lessons (at least for me)—can make or break a painting.

My paintings aren’t slapdash.  That is they’re not the type of spontaneous "process pieces" that are dabbed down without thinking.  On the contrary. Surprisingly, thinking is a big part of what I do, as are feeling and intuiting.  Some painters, certain realists for example, might calculate and measure where each element goes and exactly how.  That’s not my way.  I do plan a lot—spend hours on set-up and composition, but still like to leave significant detailing to chance.  For instance, I won’t force a mood or color palette that’s not within my capabilities of the moment.  I also like to guesstimate—even embellish aspects that cry out to me for extra attention.  Consequently, my portraits have caricature-like tendencies and my still-lives are more whimsical than realist.  Then there’s my abstracts, a melange of freedom, control, and spontaneity—more representational than abstract and more abstract than representational.  We see and do what we need to at the time (usually without knowing it)—artist and viewer, alike.

Creative minds are frequently distracted.  An idea surfaces and it’s hard to rest until it can be recorded and/or realized.  My creative bursts come in words and images.  One day it’s words.  Another it’s images.  And, when I’m in the mindset for one the other fades. I can either write or paint, but find it hard to do both together. Over time, I’ve come to know when I’m "off’" or "on"—can be creative or not, and how.  And, I can’t always choose those times.  Some of them are very inconvenient, like today.  I really should be up in my studio painting, but have a word explosion I can’t contain. I need to finish writing this passage—express what’s on my mind while it’s still mulling.  It’s been active for a long time, every day while I’ve been painting.  The thoughts have been there, but the verbalization hadn’t reached a stage fit for sharing—until today. I need to get it out now!  Tomorrow, I’m hoping things will be different.  I have a deadline to meet with my paintings.  The day before yesterday was good with respect to staying focus on painting.  I painted, and painted, and painted, and didn’t get tired.  In fact, I couldn’t eat, drink, or speak on the phone, I was caught up in what I needed and wanted to do, energy growing with each technical difficulty overcome.  I love days like that!  Days with no time limits put you in another place. They’re rare and special, and one of the main secret gifts painting/artmaking/creativity can bestow on those prepared to go the distance—travel bumpy roads on routes you’re not sure can take you anywhere.

Painting takes time—more than you might have under normal circumstances. You need to be prepared to give up many other activities (and breaks) in order to paint seriously, proficiently, authentically, and optimally.  This means attempting to stay with the task by preventing (social) interruptions that may be detrimental to your process.  Vacations, weekends, evenings—times when others are relaxing—start to disappear.  Painting takes over and becomes all important—has to be all important.  It’s not a job like any other.  It’s a vocation, and something you can’t always do on command or within a set time frame.  You have to be prepared to go the distance, even when you’d prefer to be doing something else—not have to endure so much isolation.  That said, if you took time out, the ache of not being there to finish your painting may make other experiences less enjoyable.

How much stamina does it take in order to be a serious painter?  A lot!  Even if you sit down and don’t stand, there’s energy exerted—mental as well as physical.  You’re constantly engaged in your process, focusing and concentrating—stepping forward and back, planning and calculating, trying and retrying, doing and undoing.  Sometimes mental gymnastics exhaust. Other times, the sheer physical strain of keeping steady hands, stretching up and down, or twisting, turning and bending provide a work-out you weren’t anticipating.

Painters need to be resilient.  Not every piece will work out how you wish it to.  However, there’s no knowing others’ responses.  All you can be sure of, as artist, is that you have to keep on plugging away—no matter how you feel.  The more you practice, the better your work will become, even if you’re the only one who notices.  Putting your best effort into what you’re doing while you’re doing it is what counts.  Short cuts don’t get you to your destination any faster.  Slowly and surely provides more certain foundations and a better route guide.  Even without a teacher or lesson plan, progress is always possible.  We all learn from personal mistakes.  And, since we’re usually our own severest critics, it’s unlikely there won’t be any mistakes (or answers) found.

Artists/painters have qualities that are special to their vocation.  Others may identify with these, and have similar feelings about what they do and how they do it.  I’m curious to compare.  But, right now, I can only speak about my own day-to-day experience preparing the Florence Biennale exhibition collection (and everything associated with it, beyond its actual painting).  The reflections that follow are listed and recorded in the order they emerged:

1.  Endurance
2.  Stamina
3.  Sacrifice
4.  Creative Pressure/Release
5.  Strategic/Conscious Painting
6.  Noticing the Details
7.  Painter’s Fatigue
8.  "JK Rowling Syndrome"
9.  Support/Patronage/Grants
10. Prices
11. Organization
12. Serendipity
13. Puzzle
14. Time
15. Artist Plus
16. (Special)Gift(s)
17. Message(s)
18. Limitations
19. Sharing
20. Preciousness/Value

The next 20 blog postings will each display a different "Buon Appetito!" painting with a reflection following (in the order listed above).  The "Buon Appetito!" paintings will be displayed alphabetically.  Bananas, Beans (Mixed), Blueberries, Cherries (Red), Chocolate Truffles, Dried Fruit and Nuts, Grapes (Green), Grapes (Red), Jelly Beans, Kumquats, Licorice Allsorts, Olives, Onions, Pasta, Peppers, Raspberries and Blackberries, Rice Snacks, Strawberries Sweethearts, Tomatoes.  Each reflection will follow the order shown in the list above and doesn’t have a specific relationship with the image that it follows.

Looking for fun "stocking stuffers," Chanukah ideas, house-warmers, and shower, kicthen, or "just because" gifts?

Please be aware that souvenir reproductions of "Buon Appetito!’s"’ twenty images are being sold by the Good Neighbours’ Fund (mangaged by TD Waterhouse, Yonge/St. Clair branch).  This is to help support Buon Appetito! showing at the Florence Biennale.

Please contact the Good Neighbours’ Fund, directly, if you would like to purchase few-of-a-kind souvenir reproductions of "Buon Appetito!" Your interest is much appreciated.

Items being offered currently are listed below. Please click on the image included here, as guide, or go to the "Buon Appetito!" exhibit page to see more.

 
• Five-card greeting card packs are $20 (Fruit-y, Sweet-ie, Vegg-ie, and Fun-ky).

• Individual greeting cards are $4.50 each.

• Bookmarks (with four images) are $2.00 each (Berrries, Fruit+Veg, Sweets, Italian, Tropical).

• Ceramic fridge magnets (measuring 2.5" square) are $10 each.

• 12" unframed prints are $15 each.

• Decorative ceramic tiles are, per tile: 3"—$15, 4"—$20, 6"—$30, 8"—$40.

• Decorative marble tiles are, per tile: 4"—$20, 6" —$35, 8"—$45.

p.s.  DocSusan’s exhibit overview page is now posted on the Biennale’s World Fine Artists’ Site 

Here is a party picture from the October 11 Grano/Florence Biennale party. (Others are posted in the DocSusan’s Website Visual Diary.)

 

Hon Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP holds her thank-you portrait with award winning film maker husband, Peter O’Brian.  Artist (DocSusan) looks on and Biennale artwork, "Buon Appetito!" hangs behind.

Last night, the newly launched Yonge/St. Clair Good Neighbours’ Fund held its first community celebration/fundraiser at Grano, which from all reports in was a great success.  The event was on behalf of my Florence Biennale exhibit.

Here are some quotes included in the Good Neighbours’ Fund brochure: 

"St. Clair to ArtWalk and the new Wychwood Barns project, to the recent success with Luminato, we have a great deal to be proud of here in Toronto. I am proud to be part of a small effort to make up for the misguided cancellation of the Public Diplomacy Program which used to help fund artists to show their works abroad.   We are truly blessed to have such a talented artist in Susan Makin living and working in our Riding of St. Paul’s.” 
CAROLYN BENNETT
Member of Parliament
St. Paul’s, Toronto

"I have always felt that all arts (and crafts) benefit by rubbing elbows with one another, so I am happy to see food and the visual arts doing just that at The Good Neighbours’ Fund Celebration.  Congratulations on your launch!  Having had significant support from my own community over my life, I am a firm believer in initiatives like this one.  There’s no better place to discover and
support talent than close to home. Very best of luck to you!"
LAURA CALDER
French Food at Home
Food Network, Canada

(Earlier related blog entries include:  Toronto Preview—Florence Biennale Exhibit, Yonge/St. Clair Innovation—The Good Neighbours’ Fund, and Why Canadian Talent Moves Away from Canada.)

Instead of giving a thank-you speech, I read the poem that follows—written especially for the event.  For those who weren’t able to make it to the event, and those who’d like to know more about it, I thought this was the best place to share what I said:

From Boston, to Toronto, to Florence—and Back?

Painting happily in Boston
An invitation arrived

You’ve been chosen by an International Committee of Judges
The President of the Biennale wrote

Which country will you represent?  he needed to know

Canada, of course!  No hesitation

I was ready to come "home"

26 years ago, I settled here
And, to me, this place has become very dear

But, in order to succeed, as many do
A forée across the border broadened my scope
Prompted opportunities
Enabled fresh hope

Thus my work began
To make Canada proud, or so I thought
To become an "emerging Canadian artist," or so I wished

Alas, barely started, I nearly stopped
The painting was my passion, but not the expense
The painting was my vocation, but not the run-around

After close to ten months of rejections
A thousand e-mails and phone calls unanswered
I’m still here to tell the tale
and say THANK YOU

I don’t give up easily
And nor do you!

From one little lead
There got planted a valuable seed
When all else fails, neighbors can be there to help you out
Hear you shout
Stand by your side
Protect another Canadian hyde

An idea for a celebration/fundraiser came into being
Thank you Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP for St. Paul’s

That idea for a celebration connected to a venue
Thank you Roberto Martella, proprietor of Grano

Next, a committee formed
Thank you David, Danny, Graham, Peter, Ryan and Saverio
My men in shining armour, who’ve enabled this happening

Thank you also to all the business keepers, friends, and acquaintances
who understood the plight

I aplologize if anyone is missed
Please don’t be that little word that rhymes—P-I-S-S-E-D

From those who donated prizes
to those who provided rereshments
to those who volunteered time and energy before and on this night
to those who displayed and forwarded posters and invitations
put up with me…and more

An Academy Awards Speech this is not, but to remember there’s a lot

Off to Florence my precious collection will go
And in six weeks, I will join them

For now, that’s all we know

Looking to the future, no one really can predict what’s ahead

Long live the Good Neighbors’ Fund
For whatever assistance it can provide
Nurture the dreams of other talented Canadians
that they stay in Canada
Not feel forced in other countries to reside.

Tonight’s the big night!  Our Yonge/St. Clair Good Neighbours’ Fund celebration/fundraiser is happening at Grano—on behalf of my Florence Biennale exhibit.  Please join us—from 7pm, 2035 Yonge Street.  Also, please check out the Florence Biennale website for updates about what will be happening in Italy in December.

There are many people to thank—and prizes and suprises.  Since this has been a real community/team effort, I wanted to list and acknowledge who’s been involved and how:

SPECIAL GUESTS
• Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP for St. Paul’s
• Kim McBrien, New Director, Visual Arts Ontario
• Yonge/St. Clair neighbours and friends

SPECIAL THANKS
• Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP:  suggesting such a celebration
• Roberto Martella:  hosting the celebration at Grano
• TD Waterhouse (Yonge/St. Clair Branch):  staff/logistical support
• The Town Crier:  making this a "local news story"
• Neighbours, friends, and businesses (Eglinton to Bloor and beyond):  publicity assistance
• Laura Calder, Food Network Canada for her terrific endorsement (for the Fund brochure)

SPECIAL DONATIONS
• Grano (2035 Yonge Street):  the venue and refreshments
• World Class Bakers (690 St. Clair Ave. W.):  refreshments
• $300 fund kick-off cheque:  an "anonymous friend"
• Pansies painting for silent auction: Susan Makin

DOOR AND RAFFLE PRIZES
• Alexia Von Beck (1228 Yonge St.)
• All The Best Fine Foods (1101 Yonge St.)
• Dimmi Bar and Trattoria (140 Cumberland St.)
• Home Hardware (1420 Yonge St.)
• Indoors and Out ( 2045 Yonge St.)
• Jivamukti Yoga (5 Shuter Street, 3rd floor)
• Laywine’s Pens and Organizers (25 Bellair St.)
• Petplan Insurance (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
• Picture Me (128 Cumberland St.)
• Printziples Fine Art (1470 Yonge St.)
• Spa - Nails (1244 Yonge St.)
• The Spice Room (55 Avenue Rd.)
• TDWaterhouse (Yonge/St. Clair Branch)

TALENT/EXPERTISE
• Product Photo,technical/practical support (productphoto.on.ca)
• Lindsay Goldman, photography
• Armor Media, product development (armormedia.com)
• Gary Wiseman, magic

TIME, ENERGY, AND PATIENCE
• Ryan and Sonia Shapiro, Armor Media
• David Bernstein, Product Photo
• The Good Neighbours’ Fund Executive
(Ryan Green, Graham Kennedy, Susan Makin,
Peter Paz, Danny Pivnick, Saverio Veltri)

What’s sentimental for one person, might not be for another.  My recent overnight visit to London had me surprising myself by the photos I took—what I might not have given any special attention to, on a daily basis, when living there.  I was a student in London from 1979 - 1981, and my recollections go back to then.

Unfortunately, the shots in this blog entry (taken in less than 24 hours) could only cover a fraction of the city, from Picadilly to Bloomsbury.

Nothing seems to change with Fortnum and Mason, at least externally.  Its neighbor Simpsons was turned into Waterstones a while back (making it the biggest bookstore in Europe), giving Picadilly a slightly different feel.

 

Something that will never move from directly across the street is the Royal Academy.

My timing was lucky!  I got to catch the exhibit, Impressionists by the Sea. I also got to dash through the National Portrait Gallery.  However, a display in the lobby from the book cover of Zerbanoo Gifford’s new book, Confessions to a Serial Womaniser made me slow down for a moment.  Her wall-like display of womens’ faces made me think of my wall-like display of food options (my upcoming Florence Biennale exhibit, Buon Appetito!)

And talking of food, Food for Thought, an old vegetarian haunt of mine (close to Covent Garden)  looked exactly the same (from the outside).  Too early to go in, they were stocking up…

Neal’s Yard, a well-known health food establishment is also still there.  But, it has evolved—looks (and tastes) a little less "natural" (according to my memories).

Covent Garden seems to be changing all over, but not Floral Street, where The Sanctuary (a pioneering spa) looks like it’s still going strong—with Agnes B, Campers, Radley, and more, all at close proximity.

The Covent Garden Market area, itself, has been spruced up.  Arriving before opening hours, I got to see the merchants setting out their wares.  It’s quite a job unpacking and repacking every day!

Wandering from the main area, I felt the cobblestones beneath my feet.  What history they hold!  Who has walked over them before?  Who is walking over them now?  How long can they stay as they are?

In London, history and modernity dance before our eyes, as do traditions, habits, and brand development.  Other coffee shops, chains and one-of-a-kind (Café Nero, The Brew Café, Cafe Life, Espresso Capucino) give Starbucks a lot of competition.

Long "tea breaks" still seem to be popular with workmen, throughout the day.

And, after work, it’s the pub. Beer drinkers spill out onto the street to enjoy a balmy September evening (after a rotten-weather summer):

Then there’s all the theaters, large and small.  What fun to be able to go and see something light! Boeing Boeing was at the Comedy Theater on Panton Street—a charming setting for an evening’s entertainment.    

By the way, though Bloomsbury and its adjacent neighborhoods may be a little off the well-beaten tourist path (except for the landmark British Museum), it’s worth a meander.  Check out all the eating options on and around Charlotte Street…as well as the picturesque side-lanes. Then there’s Dr. Marie Stopes’ first birth control clinic.

You never realize the contrasts you’ll notice when you keep your eyes open—things that have always been there, but might not have attracted attention or mention, previously (like this "lady of the night").

 

Last Sunday evening, I enjoyed a very "fine dining" opportunity at ONE—Toronto’s latest hot-spot restaurant.  Usually, I’m not such a "fine diner" or restaurant reviewer.  But, the visiting couple who invited me to join them there—as an extra special treat—thought our experience might make an interesting blog entry…

Our reservation was put through a month ago, when ONE first opened.  However, when we arrived at the restaurant, though confirmation had been given earlier that day (after I returned a hang-up on my cell phone) there was no indoor table for us.  As a result of insisting, several times, that we had not booked and did not want an outside table (it being a cooler evening), we were obliged with the "best table in the house."

Despite it really being the "best table in the house" (nestled in a corner), the acoustics still made hearing each other difficult.  When you’re with older folk, hearing can be a delicate matter at the best of times.  So can eyesight (though even I, with 20/20 vision, couldn’t manage to read the small-print menu in dim light without straining). That said, ONE was prepared to not have its clientele stress over "failing faculties."  Noticing our awkwardness, a server delivered a box of Josephson spectacles to the table (four pairs arranged in order of lense intensity).  My gentleman host tried on two of the pairs and gave up.  The only alternative was for me to recite the entire menu to him.

My recitation was interrupted several times by a very eager server who told us that the restaurant’s intention was that we share our food tapas-style.  My lady host insisted that she had no desire to do that.  Brits can get to the point fast—we all knew what we wanted and we all wanted the same thing—basically fish, chips, and salad…  Since we weren’t sharing a variety of different foods, we’d now just wished to be advised about quantities.  Three fish, two salads, and two chips could work nicely, we were told.  In actuality, we might have done better with only one order of chips.  While the fish portions were petite, the chips portions weren’t.  The salad portions were just right.

My hosts would have preferred to have all the food come out together, but the server who’d instructed us on being supposed to eat tapas-style, also insisted that salads should come before the rest, and couldn’t be dissuaded.  Finally, came the desserts:  a chocolate truffle of sorts, Timbit-like donuts infused (or stuffed) with "cheesecake" (a liquidy substance), and ice-cream.  We each chose differently, and it was the simplest (plain ice cream) that was the best liked.  The desserts weren’t as special as what came before, we all agreed.

Since I’m not much of a drinker, I stuck with water.  My hosts, however, wanted to try two different Canadian wines.  After deliberation, the sommelier did them an (off-the-menu) favor.  Apparently, a reprint of the wine list, which would be out the next day, was going to include more Canadian wines, as well as by-the-glass selections.

Brits like to ask questions, especially when they’re in atypical environments.  We were all intrigued (and, as animal-lovers, somewhat disturbed) by the decor.  Apparently, it was the work of Yabu Pushelberg. We felt overwhelmed by the cow or horse hair(?) walls in the main dining area (dyed gray), and pig skin suede (?) around the reception foyer (already looking worn in parts).  Aligator print (?) embossed leather covered wrap around seating.  Exact details were uncertain since each employee gave different answers.

The servers and receptionists were all young and sweet, and tried hard to please, but weren’t as polished as one might have expected for a venue where it’s easy to run up a $350 tab for modest food and drink selections.

Finally, came the "loo"—or "luna landscape" as my lady host came to call it. She insisted on going there before we left, and I accompanied her.  As we exited our separate cubicles, we both had the same response.  "Do you know the doors are see-through?!"  Whether this effect was meeting a trend, or simply an accident, she was more taken aback than impressed.

All in all we had a very fun evening at ONE—even if it was so for reasons we weren’t anticipating.  And, as my hosts told me on the drive back to their more conventional/elegant accommodations at the Royal York, they’d have hours of dinner stories to share with other friends, here and back home.

p.s.  After reading this blog entry to a friend, before posting, she alerted me to Amy Pataki’s professional restauant review from last weekend.  It seems our findings about ONE weren’t unusual —though Amy speaks with more bluntly and authoritatively than I do.  Regardless of what’s been shared, I am confident that Mark McEwan will be able to turn things around, quickly.  Every beginning is hard, and he certainly is a lot more ambitious and risk-taking than most of us would ever dare to be.  Best of luck to him!

For me, British newspapers can’t be beaten.  It’s a greater delight to read them when you don’t get the opportunity every day—and can hold the paper variety in your hands (clip and highlight interesting articles).  On my train journey from London to Liverpool (September 21, 07), I had a chance to catch up on a few favorite publications.  By coincidence, articles in them resonated with what I’d just become aware of during my 24 hour visit to London.  

In The Times, there was an article by Ben Hoyle, the Arts Reporter, "Record visitors to Tate as appetite increases for art."  Hoyle noted:  "Attendance at the four galleries in London, St Ives and Liverpool was 20 percent up on the previous financial year."  However, Sir Nicholas Serot, Tate director did advise of financial issues, with a reliance on revenue generated from shop sales, catering, and sponsorship. (Remember, in Britain, museum admission is free!)

The Times also focused on Arabian investments in Britain.  A headline read, "Middle East investors bring oil-enriched wallets to City."  Sub-headers were, "Arab rivals gear up for struggle over London Stock Exchange" and "Sainsbury’s sale enters final stages as Qataris see the books."  In addition, there was a complete section devoted to Saudi Arabia, where I a sub-heading caught my attention, "Mushtak Parker learns that Saudi Arabia is also looking for a bigger role in Canada."  According to the article, right now, bilateral trade is a mere $1.2 billion.  And, Dr. Abdulaziz al -Sowayegh, the Saudi Ambassador to Canada is quoted as saying, "Canada is looking to diversify its trade partners in various regions.  The kingdom is well placed to become one of the main trade and investment partners in Canada, not only in the region but far beyond." Apparently, the Saudis would like to discuss a free trade agreement to boost bilateral ties.

Another Times header, "Ride a bike?  You must be rich," also captured my attention, especially after I’d seen a proliferation of warning signs for bikers posted in the streets (like the one included at the start of this blog entry).

Ben Webster, The Times Transport Correspondent, comments, "Brands have helped to turn the bicycle into a lust worthy object," and there’s a large photo of Zoe Ball to accompany the article—glamming her way along, no helmet evident.  According to Webster, the richest fifth of the population cycle, on average, two and a half times as far in a year as the poorest fifth. Webster states, "The Department for Transport national survey indicates that the poorest fifth, despite being five times less likely to have access to a car, are very unlikely to consider cycling as a solution to their transport needs."  And, referencing the London Cycling Campaign, Webster remarks, "People on higher incomes may be more concerned about the health benefits of cycling."  A spokesman for the campaign was quoted as saying, "’People on lower incomes may be more concerned with the need to earn money than worrying about what constitutes healthy living or about the issue of climate change and how cycling is the greenest option.’"

The News Section of The Daily Telegraph (page 12) had a large photo of a sculpture by 26 year-old Canadian artist, Camille Allen. Apparently, she’s become known internationally for her clay polymer new born baby works.  I was struck by the placement of the photo.  The bottom half of the page had ads and surrounding it there were briefer news articles.

Also, among The Telegraph’s other photos was one titled, "Make way for the treadmill toddlers."  Obesity among youngsters in Britain (and worldwide) is clearly becoming a real problem!

Again, in The Telegraph, there was a farewell to the QE2. It made a last stop in Liverpool, September 21, on its 40th birthday tour, and was docked for the opening of a new cruise liner terminal there.  Final destination Dubai, where it’ll become a floating hotel.

Finally, also, in The Telegraph, was Con Coughlin’s headline revelation, "The Israelis have unearthed a new and deadlier axis of evil"  Coughlin’s writes about Syria, explaining that reports from Israel suggest a secret nuclear compound at Dayr az-Zawr, which US satellites now show as a pile of rubble after eight Israeli F-15 bombers destroyed the site, the night of September 6, 07.  Summing things up, Coughlin stresses the extent to which Syria, North Korea and Iran are acting as a "new axis of evil"—"cooperating to make the world a far more dangerous place than it was on September 11."

Virgin trains are infamous among Brits for their delays and diversions.  I can now confirm this from personal experience.  My Liverpool - London train, last week, got diverted to Coventry, clipping the time I got to spend in London.  That’s the bad news!  Then, though I’d booked a regular ticket for the return to Liverpool, I somehow ended up in a First Class carriage (not that there was anything wrong with Second Class—every seat has its own electrical outlet).  That’s the good news!

What a treat first class was—or would have been, had I known in advance, and not slipped into Marks and Spencer to buy refreshments. (M and S has become so user-friendly, with mini-stores at train and gas stations, throughout Britain, you know you can pick up a decent snack from them almost anywhere anytime.) 

First Class Virgin passengers are served unlimited meals and drinks (including wine and alcohol), and are offered an array of complimentary reading materials and other resources.  The tableware and accessories aren’t paper or plastic, the seats comfortable, and crew very friendly.  The journey back passed so fast, I wasn’t ready to get off the train!  There’s also First Class Lounges at key stations.  Had I known…! 

In the little red book placed on every table on the train, there’s a note on the front page, with an e-mail address. If you’ve been "particularly impressed" with the service received by staff on the train, they want to know at feelgood@virgintrains.co.uk.  

I think about my Amtrak experiences on the Boston - New York route, when living in Boston.  Performance, or lack of it (as well as train station food and other compensations) don’t compare!

As I’ve alluded to in earlier blog posts, seeking funds to follow through with my acceptance of the Florence Biennale invitation to exhibit (for December 07) has been quite a task.  

Fortunately, ten months on, "good neighbors" have banded together to help launch a Good Neighbors’ Fund.  This came into being, officially, Monday September 10th, 2007.  It will be held and managed by advisors at TD Waterhouse, Yonge/St. Clair Branch.

The Good Neighbors’ Fund is atypical and so is its modus operandi.  Individuals who receive grants from it need to play a key role in raising funds for them them.  This means to help with the organization of an event and the production and sale of souvenir items connected to the project requiring money.  Fund committee members are volunteers and the wider community is encouraged to get involved in a variety of ways—at the event or with the production, sale, and purchase of related souvenir items.  Fun opportunities to socialize, network, and meet others living and working in the ‘hood!

This being the inaugural year of the Fund, revenue acquired by it will go to a grant that will help pay off expenses incurred by the actualization of the Florence Biennale exhibit, "Buon Appetito!"  The Good Neighbor’s Fund hopes to work with another "talented local" next year on a fresh arts/cultural project (for which funding hasn’t been forthcoming from other sources).  But, its continuity (and ability to assist) will depend on this year’s outcome, of course!  

We are hoping that as many interested Torontonians as possible will be able to join us at Grano (2035 Yonge Street), 7pm, Thursday October 11, 2007.  Please check out the invitation posted on the DocSusan website at the bottom of the Biennale Gallery page.

Please don’t poach/steal DocSusan’s sharings.

My post, Painting and Perseverance, seems to be the most popular one on this blog (so far). Therefore, I’m sure many of you will identify with what I’m about to discuss…

My artwork (visual and written) takes hours to develop. That means, what’s posted here doesn’t come cheaply or painlessly. My time, effort, imagination, and resourcefulness have value. And, poachers know that, even if they claim ignorance and innocence.

This popular copyrighted image has been on tour—without permission or supervision. I’m delighted that it has a wider audience in a variety of locations like this one. But, credit needs to be given where credit is due—to its originator, MOI!

 
The wonder and dedication with which I created this painting will always be mine—part of its spirit, value, and specialness (perhaps why it appeals to so many others). Lazy others’ quick mouse clicks can’t be compared in any way—and don’t transfer ownership or authority over it.

This is a gentle reminder to respect the contents of the DocSusan website and blog. Please enjoy viewing them, and send links to others so they can enjoy them (directly) too. Please don’t simply click, drag and repost or reproduce, in your own or another’s name or anonymously. You will be found out—eventually!

If you like my images or written entries, please know better than to take without asking. It’s clearly stated throughout the website and blog that permission needs to be sought to (re)use them in any form. And, if it’s granted, you should give proper credit to the source—direct links to their originator and the DocSusan website and blog. This is only FAIR and reasonable.

Also, please remember that many of my creations are available for sale. Purchase requests are gladly received at blogs@docsusan.com.

THANK YOU for your understanding, cooperation, and support!

I’d been feeling very tired lately—more so than usual.  What had I been doing differently?  Drinking coffee. 

I’d let the occasional small soya latte turn into a daily large—something I’d allowed to have happen before, with similar results.  For a few weeks, I’d feel great.  Then, suddenly, exhaustion overwhelmed.  It’d be hard to sleep and hard to get up. 

Right now, I’m a week coffee-free, and more awake. Nevertheless, I miss the habit—and have been pondering why…

It’s not so much about the coffee, itself.  All the rituals surrounding a "coffee-tude" are even harder to give up.

Usually, whatever one person is feeling or talking about, others are too.  The morning after writing my "coffee poem," (pasted in below), I had the TV on as background, while painting.  A rerun of Rachel Ray’s Valentine’s Day show caught my attention.  Her guest, Dr. Timothy Brantley, the author of a book called, The Cure:  Heal Your Body. Save Your Life, was giving a more scientific explanation of "coffee habit consequences."
 
It was clear that what was happening to me wasn’t in my imagination, and the treatment plan I’d put myself on (to abstain, for now) was the right one.  Just a week in, I feel a lot less groggy!
 
Like with anything else, it’s important to remember that tolerances and responses can vary—and moderation is always good.  What works (or doesn’t) for me, might be different for you.  Also, don’t forget, a lot of coffee shops have become cozy daily hang-outs for many—kind of like pubs used to be in Britain.  They’re not popular just because of their coffee…

Coffee is "in"
A shop or two on every corner
More numerous than banks

Cardboard cup
Comforting to have in hand
Everyone does it
 
In the car
Walking the dogs
At a meeting

Arrive with coffee
A better greeting

A coffee drinker, I was not
Till I wanted to be like everyone else

Warming my palms on a cup of liquid I don’t really love
Putting out money, daily, for a beverage I don’t really need

Is it the coffee, itself, or something more, that beckons?

p.s.  Recently, Mark Mlkoff made his own unique unscientific study of coffee.  He visited 171 Starbucks in Manhattan in one day, and created a video about the experience, posted at 171starbucks.com.  On his Today Show interview (July 22, 07), he and Lester Holt both admitted that neither one of them are coffee drinkers!

p.p.s.  Of course there’s always another new study that will shed light on the benefits of coffee drinking.  Jim Lane (at Duke University), in fact, has devoted 25 years to researching caffeine.  His latest study is about caffeine and memory.  For information on other studies, I’m providing links that will help you check out coffee’s effect on the liver, the heart, and the eyes.  There are even research findings on abstaining from coffee!  But, remember, what works for one person might not for another.  Studies aside, moderation (in everything) is usually the safest.  However, as most of us know, this isn’t always possible with coffee…  Being aware of personal health challenges, and trying to remedy them, is an individual responsibility and choice.

p.p.p.s.  Coffee drinking is getting more media attention, currently, than I’d imagined when writing my "Coffee Poem."  August 8, 07, The Today Show’s nutritionist, Joy Bauer’s segment "Buzz or Bunk?  Five Coffee Myths" caught my attention because it also gave details of "folks who should avoid caffeine altogether"—those who have caffeine sensitivities (conditions that can be exacerbated by it), sleep issues, gastrointesinal problems, elevated blood pressure, bad PMS.  For everyone else (if there’s anyone left!), she suggested three cups a day!