Last year at this time...

I was listening to Brandi Carlile and reading Into the Wild. 

What were you into last year?

Online Survey

I was attempting to take an online survey this morning. They asked for my age, you were supposed to choose one: 18-24, 25-40, 40-70. For years I've been choosing 18-24, NOW I'M LUMPED WITH THE 40 YEAR OLDS! I'm getting old. So now it's time to embrace it, I'm going to go buy some polyester pants.

Twilight = FAIL!!!!!!!

I love well made movies. Twilight was in no way a well made movie. I'm no expert in film but I know a crappy film when I see it. In addition, as a quote unquote fan of the book, I felt completely unindulged and nearly insulted. 

The top 5 things that were wrong with the movie adaptation of Twilight. 

5. All the vampire parts were cheesy, overacted and poorly portrayed with the slight (very slight) exception of the actor who played Edward Cullen. Example a. The sexy raver? bad vampires (horrible actors, horrible costumes, horrible casting). These characters should have been much more dark and scary and much less euro trash discotec. I could give about 15 other examples, but I probably have better things to do.

4. The entire La Push scene was bad. The casting for Jacob was effeminate and his character wasn't developed at all. And surfing...really? For being such a major character in the rest of the books I think more character development should have been utilized in this film.

3.  The movie, from a film stand point, wasn't cohesive, fluid or well made. First, there were some beautiful angles and scenes that were well made. Other scenes were again, extremely cheesy (flying up trees, HUGE 360 shots, the baseball scene, the "fight" scene). The throwback scenes were bad, really bad. Obviously, I'm not film critic but there were a few scenes that were just embarrassing to watch. 

2. Rather then a major motion picture, it seemed like a Mormon made for t.v. movie. 

1. THEY DIDN'T INDULGE THE FANS! For having such a HUGE fan base they could have done so much more. I think they were banking on the fact that nearly all the fans are teenage girls and they could just throw a couple kissing scenes and flash a few chest hairs of Edward and all the fans would be satisfied. If you look at any major movie adaptation of a popular series (obviously we look at Harry Potter for an example) they always indulge the fans. I was neither satisfied nor indulged. 

I guess that concludes my rant. Sorry to those of you who loved it, but it could have been and should have been so much better. 

Thanksgiving Break

oh yeah it's the real deal.

Currently: Fighting off the dreaded cold

I'm in the middle of the fight of my life. I've been OD'ing on tea, sleep and vitamin C; and to be completely honest I believe I'm winning. There's something to be said for licking a cold early on, battling it before all the symptoms set in. It will be a relaxing weekend, I plan on sleeping and eating and then sleeping some more. I'm fully equipped to spend the weekend in doors. I have a great book that I need to finish, Easter Parade from Netflix to watch and a whole cabinet full of adagio tea. I should be sick more often, this is like a vacation. Say a prayer that I kick this thing before it's too late.

Simple food and a lovely weekend

I've been cooking a lot lately.  Alice Waters has inspired me. Her take on cooking is classic, yet innovative at the same time. It's refreshing when you find an author who's ideas align with your own. I thought I would share her cooking principles with you, hopefully you will be inspired as well.

• Eat Locally & Sustainably
• Eat Seasonally
• Shop at Farmer's Markets
• Plant a Garden
• Conserve, Compost & Recycle
• Cook Simply, Engaging all your Senses
• Cook Together*
• Eat Together*
• Remember Food is Precious

Inspired by her book I have started to get back into the kitchen, making simple, fresh dishes utilizing our delicious CSA. Jeff is enjoying it. This is when I wish that I had a good camera, the food I've been making has been beautiful and delicious. Here's a list of the meals we've been eating, I wish I had photos!

• Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Fresh Herbs
• White Bean & Tomato Soup with Toasted Pepitas
• Potato and Leek Soup
• Fresh Baked Bread
• Creamy Arugula, Apple and Barley Salad
• Lots of Roasted Vegetables

On Deck Recipes

• Moroccan Carrot Salad with Ginger
• Brussels Sprout & Apple Satay
• Home Brew
• Persimmon Cookies
• Savory Horseradish Bread Pudding

I'll let you know how it turns out.