OLIVES FOR BEGINNERS

2013 has definitely been a year for me and my taste buds.  Being a foodie, in general, has allowed me to savor many flavors of decadence and the unique.  From finding/tasting chocolate everywhere I visit to now eating olives.  Yes, Olives.  

Thirteen years ago, while working in Morocco, I often went to the local markets for food. There was, however, one just outside the city of Rabat resembling "Sam's Club."  It may even have been slightly larger.  In the far back left hand corner of the store lined up in front of the meats and next to the fresh vegetables were several rows [yes, rows] of 20 bins each of the most beautifully colored displayed olives.  Imagine strolling through "Whole Foods" in the prepared food isles.  This was something similar, but each row was 5 times as long all with olives prepared in variations of salads, dressings, stuffed, seasoned and colors. 

Above: Kalmatta; Below: Gorgonzola Stuffed

Of course, there were/are olives sold in the medinas, but this was an amazingly large display of food beauty.  Whether they were black, dark green, light green, yellow-ish, reds, they were all so pretty.  All I could think about was how unfortunate it was that I disliked the taste and smell of olives. [So much as I would gag.] I was probably one of the few on earth that don't enjoy the taste of the divine fruit; that is, until recently.

I started eating olives prepared in a Moroccan tangine.  Lemon Chicken; absolutely to die for.   I have definitely mastered the art of cooking this dish.  The flavor of the olives is a vital ingredient.  In my book this does not exactly count when it comes to eating the actual olives, but it was definitely a beginning. 

Once making the decision to overcome the hesitancy of eating olives, I dove in - cautiously.  I don't know why I thought it would be easier to eat, but I now love olive tapenade.  No idea why, but, I enjoy baguettes with tapenade as an appetizer with dinner.  LOVE!  

Kalmatta olives, for some reason, make it past my taste buds, as well without returning. I still am unable to devour several olives at a time as if eating popcorn. And, I definitely can't stomach eating the plain simple black olives or any stuffed with cheese.  Give me time, but I see a future of olives forever in my refrigerator.

WINTER WELCOME

For decades on end my friend from elementary school has always been right there to fill the 'needs' requests for me and many of her circle of friends. If any one of us simply mention, or just think out loud that we/they need something, she immediately gets on the internet and searches for a solution.  Typically, within 10 minutes I/We get the "I FOUND IT" call or email.  

Two months ago was no different.  After many years of complaining how I despise house cleaning and constantly whined about hiring someone to clean my house, even for just 1-2x per month, I began my search to take the plunge.  Normally, my excuse was that I couldn't justify spending the money to do a chore that I am quite capable.  

I am away a great deal of the year and the last thing I want to do when I come home is to spend my weekend cleaning.  With that said, my friend, simultaneously, was searching for a new cleaning person, as well, since her last one did not, let's say, take pride in her work.  Needless to say, upon my serious inquiry as to whom she uses, I received the excited phone call that she found someone new to clean her house. Coincidentally, R lives within 2 miles of my house, but will travel 45 miles to clean my friends' house. My friend's house was the trial clean.

Following the raving reviews, I had my first cleaning day. Upon returning home that Friday night following a hellish week at work, I cannot express the sensation I felt upon entering my spotless house.  I absolutely loved coming home to the smell of 'Fabuloso.'  My new favorite product.

The cleaning woman, R, is now my new best friend.  She not only cleans the house, she feeds the cat...and, most recently, had her fiance snow blow my driveway prior to my coming home after the first storm of the winter season.  I can't thank her enough for taking such fantastic care of me and Lucia, my cat.  My being an extremely independent self sustaining woman, I can't figure out how I survived all of these years without her.

I know she has two daughters.  One comes with her to feed my cat.  I am guessing that the snow blowing of the driveway was a family outing and the girls made me my winter friend. Here is what greeted me upon returning home after the storm.

Welcome Home - Better than the door mat!

That snowman definitely pastes a smile on my face when I come home before entering the house.  How can it  not.

FRIEND-A-PHOBE

Living like a vagabond for 2/3 of my life has limited my circle of friends.  While I enjoy speaking with people, for the most part, I am much better in smaller groups.  1-1 or 1-2 is ideal for me.  Parties of more than that I tend to get a little claustrophobic; until, of course, I am alcohol induced.  Once that is introduced I am ill at ease.

With that said, I am creating a synonym, "friend-a-phobe,' for introvert.  I think I ought to take the Meyers-Briggs Test.  Perhaps, there is one online since I am not about to head into the psychologists office.

I don't even know why I am writing this right now.  It could be due to the fact that I just came home from work and have had a couple of glasses of wine to take the edge off from a very difficult work week.  Yes, I did say couple.  The more I have to drink the better I feel about writing to myself.

My Choice of Poison

Addendum:  Survived the night that commenced with ingesting two glasses of wine then dragged off to a local watering hole for the vodka portion.  Once arriving home after the festivities the late night munchies concluded by a few teaspoons of the B&J. The perfect ending to a horribly stressful workweek. 

ANOTHER GEM

The phone rang at 6:52a.m.  Time to get up.  Hurry up and get ready. How fast can you be ready and at my house to take a drive.  The weather is beautiful. The sky is blue.  Let's go.  

Just a few minutes of groaning I hopped in the shower, barely brushed by hair [if at all] and jumped into my car to start the days' journey.  The first stop was for a duly needed cafe mocha then a quick stop in Pawtucket to, once again, enjoy the fabulous sliders from Rocket Street Food [mentioned in a prior post].  A good hearty breakfast.  Aside from the burgers [Parisienne and The Vulcan] in the bag we bought mac and cheese - also a 'truck' specialty as well as a gift from Joe, butter steamed baby potatoes.  All of this devoured by 10a.m. and before 495W.  Breakfast of foodies. 

Onward and upward we go heading to Great Barrington, MA bordering ever so slightly to New York. What a cute little artsy boho town.  I do have my favorite shops, of course.  T P Saddle Blanket and Hildi B, both on Main Street, have definitely dented my credit card.  My favorite suede fringed wrap comes from P Saddle Blanket Shop. I was very tempted to buy two more yesterday, but the color I was salivating over was missing from the collection.  Probably a good thing because the cost would have emptied my bank account.  Great Barrington maybe that artsy boho town, but costly.  

One type of shop that I normally try to avoid, due to the fact that I have a problem with buying kitchen items, is a kitchen/chef shop.  I love ceramic or porcelain platters.  It's right up there with my boot and winter outerwear problem.  I just can't resist.  With that said, I hesitantly entered into 'The Chef's Shop,' located on Railroad Street.  This shop has been around for 23 years.  Imagine the job security for owner, Rob Navarino's employees. He was truly a pleasure to speak to. In the back of the shop was a cupcake bakery.  Mini cupcakes! All flavors and a select few - stuffed! YUMMY!  It was the cupcake version of donut holes.  Just pop them in your mouth for that immediate sweet fix.  

Rob Navorino - The Chef's Shop

Of course, I bought something!  I am now the proud owner of a truffle colored French Press by Le Creuset.  Probably something I will rarely, if ever, use.  It now sits next to the glass one I brought back from Morocco collecting dust.  

Aside from the artisans, the area is beautiful and quaint. Mountains, rivers, lakes, foliage, farms, vineyards surround the town. There were signs that winter arrived, as well.  Upon entering the northwestern area of MA spots of snow and ice covered areas of the ground. 

Definitely, a good place to visit on the idea of a spur of the moment drive to 'somewhere.'

WINTER CHORES

According to the calendar the first day of winter is December 21st.  In my house, it begins when I need to wear gloves and I need to take my indoor plants back inside from the New England summer tropics.  

I don't mind the cold weather and snow, but I can't tolerate my hands being cold.  This chilling affect, for me, occurs in October.  At the first sign of the my fingers feeling the cold sensation I rummage through the drawers for my cashmere lined soft leather gloves that I had carefully selected the previous year at TJMAX. They have a great selection.  It usually takes me, roughly, 45 minutes to try on and choose the exact pair that will last me the season. 

This year proved a bit of a chore because of my summer purge when I either tossed everything in sight, boxed or put cleverly away in an appropriate place that now I can't remember due to my pending move; or senility.  Thank Christ, I found a pair. They were underneath the seat in the Murano that I was cleaning prior to it's trek to the south for my daughter's use at school to get her to/from work [the job that she never looked for]. 

Aside from scouring the house for the gloves in October I had brought my plants in from the outdoors as mentioned above.  They were brought into my 'garden' room.  So called, because one wall solely of sliding glass doors faces the deck overlooking the yard. The plants have taken over the room.  It resembles a jungle.  I even had to move a few plants so the animals can easily maneuver in/out of the doggie door.  There is just so much space in that room. Not. Plant clutter.

Just like I am running out of wall space for my paintings I am running out space for my seasonal spots for my plants. Which, by the way, are like my babies.  I have one plant that is the mother of all plants.  Actually, it is the mother of many since it is nearly 90 years old.  Its 'roots' 'stem' from my great grandmother passed to my grandfather passed to my mother.  I inherited it because I found it near death at my mother's house and swiped it to revive. Again, thank Christ, for my light green thumb because now it thrives and produces many offspring.  Most everyone in my immediate family has a plant that I have rooted for them.  I have needed to replace two plants that have fallen from grace since the plant legacy has been passed.  No reference. You know which ones you are!!!  >:(  

I am coming to terms with the fact that I may have to relinquish a few of the plants in order to continue preparing for my move forward to sell the house.  Perhaps, I will expand my plant offspring and give to a few outside of the family box.  Although, I think I may have tried that already once before and it has fallen from grace in their hands, as well, as the two aforementioned family members.  Boooooo..... 

CLOTHES CRACK

For anyone who is reading [if anyone at all] you may have already picked up on the fact I have two daughters.  One is a fashion savvy 'life of the party' spend thrift and the other is a bohemian hippie music lover.  Daily, I am fascinated at how they affect me - both good and bad.  Don't misunderstand, I love them both more than humanly possible [that phrase is another post worth writing about]. Everything I do in life is for them.

However, as every parent feels, at one point or another, we are constantly being tested by them.  My spendthrift college student habitually 'tests' me more than the other; hence the worn out beaten look and constant need to eat chocolate to relieve my stress.  Both are college students. Ouch!  Right!!!!??  Tuition alone drains my purse.  

Below is the brief, yet almost amusing email, I received first thing this morning upon checking my emails.

             Daughter:  Figures. I would try

On Nov 20, 2013, at 8:28 AM,

Me: and, i'm not

xo

Daughter: I'm not!!

On Nov 20, 2013, at 8:26 AM 

me: let me know if you are on crack

Sent: Tue, Nov 19, 2013 9:11 pm

Daugher : Hey
Let me know if you're in the mood to buy me any clothes :)

What's even more humorous/pathetic is that, at the end of the relentless nagging to buy her clothes, she will have conquered just because I don't feel like listening to her tactics anymore while I am swamped at work.  Anything for the relief!

I CHOOSE - BEACH RAT, FOREVER!

Saturday, I was in the northwestern part of the state enjoying foliage and pies. As I enjoyed driving through the remote areas with the green pastural farms, ponds and endless roads leading nowhere, I considered my big move inland.  Definitely out of character for me.  Even with the thought of a few acres and a barn in the back with horses mulling around in the pasture, I don't know that I wouldn't feel a bit claustrophobic.  

Call me crazy, but even with all the serenity and beauty of nature I don't think I could definitively say that I could be happy too far from the ocean.  I think I would miss the opportunity to breath in the ocean mist, walk along the beaches and listen to the soothing sounds of the waves meeting me on the shoreline. 

This morning, back to my favorite part of the ocean state, I sat enjoying a soy mocha no whip via harborside with acoustical sound magician, Tom Burgess at Java Madness. Thanks, Tom. It was a pleasure.  

The deck was enclosed with thick plastic canvas to keep the warmth while still being able to enjoy the scenic harbor views.  [FYI, Tom performs each Saturday and Sunday at Java Madness in SK.]

With all of that said, I will consider keeping the current Narragansett house, buying a larger one here, or returning back over the bridges to Newport.  Once in Newport, I will never leave let alone venture back over heading north.

BEACH RAT TO FARM GIRL - GOOD QUESTION

It's mid-november and I have finally been able to hop in the car and hit the road for my fall foliage driving tour.  Perhaps, a bit late, but with a few leaves clinging for life on the tree limbs I am still able to enjoy a few colorful views, apple cider, pies and sweater weather.

Before the jaunt into the wilderness I filled up with the most delicious sliders that ever passed over my taste buds.  I can't express how delicious these burgers were going down. I was speechless. To speak to anyone while enjoying these sliders would have ruined the dining experience.  Not fine dining by all means.  My 'cream' soda bottle balanced atop an orange traffic cone while my cardboard container [holding the second slider] sat on the ground with me squatting over a napkin protecting my white cords and blouse from the oozing juices of the burger.  

This gourmet food truck needs to be put on everyone's 'to do' list. We found it in Pawtucket at the indoor farmer's market located in the old warehouses on Hope Street.

www.rocketstreetfood.com

OOO!  Nearly neglected to mention - I devoured two 'Parisienne' sliders. Caramelized onions, gruyere, and black angus beef burgers.  YUMMY!

Ready to roll.  The journey began in Pawtucket and continued to Attleboro, Cumberland, Lincoln, Glocester, Scituate returning through Providence eventually bringing me home to my petit villa.  Of course, there were towns en route that I had never been to nor heard of in the state that is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, but claiming 460 miles of coastline. 

One of the highlights of the tour was a small farm selling local fresh pies, pastries and breads.  Mapleville Farm.  Where else would that be located, but in Mapleville, RI.  The cafe is owned and operated by [4] young adult siblings. Two sisters and two brothers that I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with today.  I spent $51 on their treats.  It was my pleasure. As I sit here writing humbly at my desk sipping tea, I am enjoying one of the jam cookies.  What a treat. I can't wait for more. 

Siblings front: Casey, Emma; back: Ben, Mike

To the left of the entrance is a fenced area with sheep and goats.  To the right is the construction of a greenhouse the brothers are building.  There aren't enough niceties to say about these four siblings.  Upon my departure I couldn't help but notice Emma bringing one of her brothers a sandwich out in the greenhouse area.  

Trust me, take me up on this one and go for the ride or pick up the phone.  Even better - check them out on their website. They do take phone orders and ship everywhere.   Mapleville Farm, 544 Victory Highway, Mapleville, RI -  www.maplevillefarm.com  

More along the route:

Purge Party

Tractor Lawn Art

Say, "Cheese!"

Scituate Resevoir: View West

Scituate Resevoir: View East

A beautiful ending to the drive.

SUPERNOVA

The explosion of a star that has reached the end of its life, is otherwise known as a Supernova. Fast approaching the downside of the century with one foot in the grave I think I may soon be a burst of sparkling bubbles [like the song, 'Champagne Supernova]; thus, becoming a Supernova dissipating forever in the sky. OR, following the explosion are the 'baby' novas, with all of it's splendor bursts of energy created become new stars to sparkle with new life prolonging the entrance into the grave [mine].  I prefer my theory, the latter. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PPsD_07W_I

How morbid for mid-week thoughts.  Maybe I am thinking along these lines because of the upcoming birthday blahs. Or; perhaps, a momental distraction from work. 

The brief consideration of jumping a number because of the negative sounding appeal of the pending number is appealing all in itself.  I did the same thing a decade earlier.  Skipped right over to the next number finding myself celebrating the higher number twice.  Hmmm.  The idea still sounds appealing. Done.  What's an extra candle this year.  

WHERE'S MY MENU GUIDE

Yesterday, I received a gift from an associate from the West Coast. Truly, extremely thoughtful.  I was overwhelmed with appreciation as I work in a very unappreciated business. It was personally delivered by one of the visiting personnel from their office. She flew in on the red eye and, without a pause, came directly to our offices to deliver goodies. Greatly appreciated. I can't express that enough. It was a box of chocolate truffles from the local chocolatier.  Someone knows my vice!  Another goodie recipient received a box of lollipops from the same chocolatier.  There were four different types in the filled box - butterscotch, vanilla, chocolate [I forgot the 4th].  We traded a few. :)

While I maybe a choco-holic, there are chocolate combinations that are not pleasing to my taste buds.  Par example, I am not fond of white chocolate in any shape or form; particularly, when combined with other flavors (ie lemon or coconut).   Peanut butter and chocolate is also on the 'never will eat' list. Nope. No Reeses for this girl - EVER!  

What this box lacks is a menu guide!  Ludicrous! Furthermore, I am not alone who is dismayed by the lack of the menu.  I have shared my box of brown gold with fellow co-workers. They have tipped and turned the box upside down and inside out searching for the ever most important menu of flavors and combinations. 

Visual: Imagine a few indulgents [can that word be used as a noun] circling the box with graceful attempts to decipher the interior flavors.  All of which, are now, a surprise. Anyone have allergic reactions to nuts, for example... The discussion becomes endless, then ridiculous, then we suck it up and eat them, for pete's sake. 

Thankfully, when it comes time to ease the work stress [hence, the need for chocolate] and the chosen piece that ends up on the unappealing list, we have our officer 'eater' to come to the rescue and eats the remainder of the piece.  I hate wasting food.

Not to be repetitious, I just simply want to say, Thank you, again, K!

LIFE IS LIKE LICKING HONEY FROM A THORN

This was the best line of a movie I watched on Netflix starring Jason Stratham [Keanu can take a back seat ;)]. The meaning of that directly corresponds to the evolution of my life. 

It doesn't seem to make a difference as to how good or positive I may be, the path that my life travels is from A thru Z to arrive at B. Over the years it has become a natural course for me that which I am accustomed to this fact; however, every now and then, I am thrown an awful wrench questioning certain aspects of life itself. Today being one of those wrenches; perhaps, even on the larger scale. 

[The issue at hand may or may not be told in detail in my next post, but trust me, it's a doozy. It's an ultimate tell-all involving gambling, lying and cheating.  Not by me, of course!]

What about the phrase, 'what goes around comes around?' When does the 'comes around' portion of that rhetoric happen?  It can't simply be a myth!   

Karma is something I live by. Don't do anything to gainfully hurt someone else, illegal or malicious. My thinking is that if I do it will come back and bite me in the ass.  So, what do I do.. let it go...eventually.  Eventually, after whining about it for a an hour or a day or so.  Let it go thinking that in the end it will come back to whomever is causing the harm and bite them in the ass.  

As I continue on I am now pondering the entire theory of karma.  I don't see the 'return' factor in all of this.  On the other hand, maybe it is not for me to clearly see.  

NO EXPLANATION REQUIRED

It's just 8:25 a.m.  Back to "Throw Up Thursday."

IS IT THROW-BACK THURSDAY OR THROW UP THURSDAY!

This morning Channel 10 news revealed their pictorial choice of Will Smith for their weekly segment of 'Throw-Back Thursday.'  It was a photo of Will shot sometime during his series, "Fresh Prince of Bel Air."  

After searching the photos on my computer I've decided to omit an actual picture of me, but instead, offer a picture of a car that sits in my driveway, to use at my disposal until I can dispose of it.

1992 Volvo

What a beauty, right!!!!  Wrong! Definitely a throw-back!! So much, that I would like to throw it back to the person who sold it to me. Mike. An unnecessary purchase since there is another one in sitting my driveway whom we affectionately call, Sanchez.  He belongs to my daughter. 

The blue Volvo was not technically an impulse purchase, but more of a panic emergency purchase. We needed a second car in the driveway for when my daughters return home from college.  Who needs excess stress from kids arguing over the use of MY car [which, by the way, is now in possession of one of my daughters away at school]. 

To make a long story shorter, after the muffler system was stolen from the blue Volvo, the tow driver indicated to me that there were no cracks in the frame of the other Volvo posing the question as to why Sanchez wasn't repaired. I explained that two collision places told me that it was unrepairable; hence, why I bought the blue Volvo.  He highly suggested I get one more opinion.  With that said, I did. While Sanchez runs beautiful he simply has a small scar.  

Not confused enough?  

A the same time, I had to get the muffler replaced on the blue car.  Which I did. And, not for the $1200 that my regular mechanic quoted me, but for $180 from my secret magical mechanic!  I love you, Pedro!  

I have [3] fully inspected, registered and insured vehicles. One is now away at college with my daughter, Sanchez is my weekend vehicle and the blue Volvo gets me to/from work in Boston until she sells and/or I get a new car.  :)  The blue Volvo is for sale. Or; perhaps, I will give it to some lucky kid or the donation center in MA.

COUCH TO 5K

Hmmmm!!  I choose COUCH!  

Althoughhhhhh.... This program came across my plate a few years ago from a friend who repeatedly listened to my belly-aching about getting back into running to lose my paunchy belly. She was so thoughtful, right!  She printed it out, stapled nicely and brought it to me with a tall, soy mocha, no whip, light foam at 162 degrees.  [Yes, I am that high maintenance coffee drinker/orderer.]  Perfect and thoughtful.  Wah! Wah! Wah! 

With that said, I have made the effort 2x since that initial moment.  Both of which were unsuccessful.  The most recent was this past summer.  I did the program for [3] days.  

Whoo Hoo!  

Hoewver, upcoming this Saturday, I am feverously running/walking in a 5K for charity with proceeds specifically for cancer research. In tow, will be my cell phone with the mobile app sustaining the 'couch to 5K' program.  During the 5K the phone may end up in the ocean and me laying flat out on the road from the inability to catch my breath.  I hope the medics will be in close proximity when I fall to the ground and bring oxygen.

Enforcing the program using a charity may not be commendable, but for my purposes, it will get me off the couch and; perhaps, back into my girlish figure in time for a bikini next May [June]. The invitation to the buffet and cocktails following the run at the local area bar and restaurant isn't a bad motive either. [No interest in running - feel free to come to the bar to drink, eat and donate! - Bon Vue, Narragansett, Saturday. Race starts at 1p.m.]

Stay tuned. Perhaps, even a photo!!!! 

SERENITY NOW!

Exactly that!  Are we sure it's not a full moon!!!  If you look up in the sky it's the new moon this week, but if you guess with people's behavior you would think it's a full moon considering everyone is cuckoo for coco puffs everywhere I turn!!!  At work, while driving, in the stores, everywhere!  It's crazyiness!!!  At least, here they are.  

George Costanza's "Seinfeld" Dad, Frank, exasperated from life, needed a relaxation technique to help him through his hard day during one episode of "Seinfeld," "Serenity Now!"  Trust me,Frank, I feel your pain!  We will ignore the, "Serenity Now, Insanity Later," comment in the same episode.....  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3VCl3yBURs  

Serenity Now

POP TARTS

You know it's a bad day when you grab a pop tart from craft service and inhale it within seconds. The kicker is that it's your least favorite flavor.  

I'M WEARING A TIE

When I think of that phrase, "I'm wearing a tie,"  all I can do is laugh.  It comes from an associate of mine, whom I've met face to face only once.  We speak semi-often on the phone and when we do it is always pleasurable.  Don't misunderstand, this is not a flirtatious relationship we just simply have great phone rapport.  He is very funny.  We are like giggling school girls on the phone until, of course, he puts on his serious voice which, of course, only lasts a few seconds because I begin to giggle at his attempt of seriousness. 

With all of that said, he does seem to be able to take care of the issues at hand.  I have no idea what transpires on his end of the phone cord to remedy my situations, but whatever the issues seem to be, they are soon rectified.  :)  Thank you, S!

S also has great phone voice. Which, immediately makes me think of the [4] people who have the best phone voices.  Since a great deal of contact with people with whom I work is via telephone, there are certain times [when I am in hell] I want to pick up the phone just to hear one of the [4] speak.  Actually, there are [3] that I can do that with since the 4th and best of all is unreachable to me. He is an actor with whom I worked with nearly a decade ago.  If I could have him call me at bedtime each night I think I would be asleep within minutes and not wake up the 5 times during the night.  His voice is so soothing.  As a matter of fact, we have all heard his voice in many commercials, documentaries and voice overs.  KD please call me!!!!  


[Random Photo]

PICKS ARE EVERYTHING

Every American knows at this point football season commenced.  Every male, big and small, young and old, sit in front of their [or any] tv screen Monday nights, Thursday nights and Sundays all day for NFL and Saturday and other days/nights [during the week that I am not privvy] for College ball. [Not 100% sure of the schedule so don't think I am taking this to the grave.] Don't get me wrong, I do know women participate, as well.  Two of which are closely related to me.  Not quite sure of the attraction, but I believe with my two family females it could be Tony Romo and Tom Brady capturing their interest as those are the teams their game viewing jerseys 'sport.' It can't be the fact that they share the enthusiasm of the game as their husbands do or do they fake the enthusiasm just to spend the time together...?  Or, can it???  Your guess is as good as mine.  I do know that when I watch it's just for the WINE and the time spent together even though there would be no verbal communication between us whatsoever until the game ended. 

During one game that I was actually paying attention to I had two questions.  The first was regarding a play and why a particular call was made and the 2nd was about what I have since learned to be a 'touchback.'  The person I was watching the game with didn't even hear me ask either question because he was so consumed with the game my voice wasn't even heard.  Thank Christ for my brother who answered my texting questions.  If he hadn't answered me I would never have understood the 'play' or would never know what a 'touchback' is..  Thank you, bro!

I have witnessed, as all women, the behavior of men watching football.  It appears that everyone of them feel the need to voice their opinions of what someone did incorrectly, how horrible a play was, the coaches response and how future plays should be made.  It amazes me that all of these men should be coaches or assistants let alone players and not just enjoying from the sidelines.  Oh, wait! This is how they enjoy from the sidelines!

Of course, this is similar with all sports.  I am focused on football because this is what is currently captivating the sports trade.  It is not just for pleasure viewing yet extends beyond into streamline business including gambling, fantasy football leagues, fashion, etc. The picture above depicts the 'pick' choices of the week in a local 'pool.'  These games were from last Sundays schedule. So many games that you need a print out to keep track of the daily schedule to check the wins/losses.  Good luck!

Normally, I don't engage, but on the odd occasion I am invited to watch at someone's house where there is wine and beer and tons of food of all flavors for the event.  And, an event is what it becomes.  It's a reason to have a house party or bar fest at minimum 3 times per week.   Thank you, I'll bring my knitting.

DOVE TAKE ME AWAY

Anyone, and I mean anyone, who knows me, at all, knows that I am a choco-holic.  I could be the poster child for any nearly all chocolate companies. [Although, quite frankly, I not particularly fond of the crunchy ball that comes out in December for the holidays. I forget what those are called.  Rochet?] It's my only vice and I will never give it up.  I will be that 'cheater-eater' even with regards to good health.

Upon walking in the door of the offices of a new project the first and only request that comes from me is to keep my top left hand drawer stocked with dove chocolates.  Milk or dark; it doesn't matter, as long as there is a piece for me to pop into my mouth to keep my inner tranquility and my co-workers'. Depending on the circumstances at hand I could easily pop 2-3 pieces, one after another, into my mouth.  The craft service person and I become instant friends!

I have to say that wherever my travels lead me the search for the best chocolate around always takes precedence. Several years ago while working in Paris I had the pleasure of tasting the best hot chocolate EVER at Angelina's on rue de Rivoli.  And, I will say, it is the best.  The last time I was there and overindulged with a *croque monsieur and a chocolate chaud I couldn't leave without buying a bag of the chocolate mix to make at home. Being able to duplicate this flavorful delight made me so happy that it didn't matter how ridiculous the cost for just the one bag.  However, to my dismay, the 'making it at home' ritual did not prove possible for duplication. It is good, but not the same.  The flavor, presentation and atmosphere from the cafe are definitely needed to complete the experience. [*croque monsieur is the best ham and cheese sandwich made on the planet.]

At home, I have hidden stashes of dove chocolates in places that even I don't remember.  I feel the need to do this because I have offspring who also indulge the dove chocolates and/or m&m's.  There is Hershey's syrup for my coffee, Ben & Jerry's Phish food in the freezer and again, dove milk chocolate and m&m's.  AND, in case of extreme emergency, I can nibble a few semi-sweet chocolate bits from the bag that is on hand in case I need to make cookies; eating the batter only, of course.  I mail the actual cookies to everyone else to curb their stress.  Those cookies, btw, are affectionately called, "stress cookies,"
and have traveled internationally.

There you go....I'm all set.  And, right now, I am eating Oreo's.  Let's not go there.

Can you say VALIUM!

It's not "Calgon" take me away' these days; rather, "VALIUM" take me away! 

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OiRtR7oi0w]

The thought of taking a bubble bath doesn't remotely seem the ideal way to relax after dealing with these DIVA'S [yes, continuing with the prior post].  While one of the Diva's actually made a small attempt to be nice [although, has yet to apologize for his initial irate behavior or gracefully thanking me for a task I undertook for him to get paid] the other Diva'S in the other department continue with their Prima Donna attitudes.   

WTH!  Why the constant need to be coddled!  And, I will add that one of the junior Diva's indicated on her fb page that she normally works varsity.  Perhaps, I should tell our two leading actors who are both academy award winners and Hollywood A-listers what she thinks of their current project!!!!  

A little memory just popped into my head with my personality and dealing with Diva-licious personalities.  During my 2nd project in the film industry [9000 years ago] I had the pleasure of working with a brand new UPM.  She was from a film accounting background, as well, who jumped the ladder rungs early on in her career.  I was working with an accountant from Colorado. We shared the same birthday and a few other similarities.  She, although, was more experienced in the industry and dealt with these people better than I did. That has basically nothing to do with my rant.  Simply a sidebar.

The UPM, whose name shall remain anonymous, constantly pranced around like a princess.  And, me, new to the industry and formerly the owner/operator of my own company, was unfamiliar with the status quo behavior type of the film industry.  So, when this person constantly came at me with the 'princess' attitude I played into it. My gift to her prior to my departure from this TV series was a gift box with princess crown and wand.  Needless to say, this did not sit well with her and need I not say that I was not asked back for the next season.  

In retrospect, if I had been put back in time, I would certainly do it again.  With that said, I definitely have curbed my more than 'direct' attitude within life's daily situations. I believe that comes with age and wisdom - :)

DIVA-LICIOUS

DIVA - via Italian from Latin: a goddess, from dīvus divine 

Topic for this morning is Diva.  While I am not surprised by people's behavior in the film industry [which I work], I am sick of their behavior affecting my life 24/7.  Rather than being surprised I am simply annoyed that after 19 years working in this business that people of all walks in life behave like DIVA's and expect to be treated as such. Let me just clarify that the majority of the people in the film industry do NOT behave this way, but the vast amount that do ruin for the rest of us... and, give us something else to talk/complain about like I am doing right now. This is me venting.

Although the dictionary references the word as goddess; trust me it yields to men, as well.   Men are even bigger DIVA's than women.  On my current project there are one of each gender, so far, and we are just at the beginning.

The sense of entitlement that these people feel stems from the conditioning they receive from their co-workers at the very least, but I am certain it's from all of their personal contacts, too.  For whatever reason they assumed their constant demands to be taken care of on various levels of intensity. The mere fact that they think they've 'earned' this is sickening. To watch is even worse.  We are all just trying to earn a paycheck and make a movie together!

Oprah Winfrey had a DIVA Brunch several years ago. The invited guests were all women, of course, who had achieved the highest levels of respect for their talents.  Poets, musicians, writers, politicians, and more.  There were Respected DIVA's as well as up and coming DIVA's.  It was a 3-day weekend at Oprah's house.  For me, these women earned the title of DIVA. This is not to say that these women all had/have the negative mindset and attitudes connected with the term DIVA, but the respect level of the word alone applies in my head since I did not know any of them personally; hence, not allowing me to make that connection.

Now that I think about it I am certain prima donna [in it's negative tone not opera-etic] maybe a more deserving phrase for what I am trying to express since it's a bit more derogatory than the word DIVA as described in the above mentioned paragraph.  So, let's go with that instead.   

Ok.  Done venting [to myself].  Will start the day tomorrow open to the prima donna's and will laugh internally at them with their next list of demands.

Happy Sunday!

NOTHING LIKE ICE CREAM TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD

The 'no fail' solution to the ultimate cure-all is, Yes, ICE CREAM.  Doesn't matter what flavor tickles your tonsils after one taste of the creamy coolness you immediately begin to feel better.  Whether it's chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, black raspberry, mocha, snickerdoodle, rum raisin, or coffee you are on your way to, albeit, Xanadu!

Don't forget about the people waiting to serve you either.  One order after another and all individual requests and requirements.  Small kiddie cup, kazillion sprinkles with a dollop of hot fudge, no whip cream.  Thank you, very much.  What an array of orders...  black raspberry in a cone - wafer or sugar, sprinkles? large? small?  So many variations and ways to order.  Banana split, large cone, soft ice cream medium, no nuts, etc..  It's mind boggling!!!  All for 20 minutes of happiness.  And, it works!!!

I was sitting in the parking lot enjoying my chocolate ice cream in a cup with overflowing chocolate sprinkles just watching everyone sitting around at the tables, logs or stools, eating their ice cream and all with smiles on their faces.  It was a social gathering of happiness.  Each group was having their own intense conversations while lapping up their ice cream.  Their conversations were of real estate, boys, girls, baseball games and more.  Whatever it was everyone donned giant smiles.

Even if I didn't hear any of these conversations and just watched from the car and licked my ice cream I would've been in heaven.  The smiles on all of the faces made it even more enjoyable!  Thank you, to the Roman Empire or to the Chinese for inventing the taste of happiness!  [Or, Ben & Jerry for Phish Food!!]

No Picture today.

XANADU

At this point in my life I am trying very hard to figure out what Xanadu would be for me.  Six weeks ago, I knew exactly what Xanadu was - in my head... Little cottage by the beach, eating dinner with someone sitting across or next to me each night, writing a novel or children's book series... in other words, "the simple life."

Then, it was squashed.

Reality set in.  Kids leaving for college, job was cancelled, finances became difficult, enjoying the summer at the beach was now going to be a difficult chore.

Still those same six weeks passed and I am just managing to get through the days.  It's a horrible step backwards in life.  Trying to climb out of the pit is still probably two-three weeks away when I can start another film project. In the meantime, the continuous walks on the beach are what make me momentarily happy.   Take a peek...

Morning

 Evening

SUPER MOON

The project I was working on, believe or not, back in Winston-Salem, was cancelled.  I had only been on location for 4 days before getting the 'official' news from production.  One on hand, it was great to know that I would be enjoying a few weeks of the summer at home on the beaches.  However, on the other hand, it meant unemployment!!!  UGH.  

But, thanks to the pissing match between James Franco and the studio, control versus reality [in that order], none of us had a choice.  So, here I am.. going through extremely difficult times in my head.. trying hard to enjoy the summer.  

Last night was the Super Moon GONG BATH.  Yes, Gong bath.  My good friend suggested this event on the beach.  The gongs are set up and you lay on the beach listening to the sound of the gongs hoping the energy clears your thoughts and head.  A total form of relaxation.  Unfortunately, for me, I have far too much 'energy' spinning on my head and couldn't concentrate.  I was trying to listen to the ocean instead of focusing on the gongs as well as all the other thoughts bouncing in my head.  But, the Super Moon was beautiful.

  

LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Completely got sidetracked with work ignoring my new blog.  I have since left North Carolina [Thank Christ!], returned home for a brief stint and now am back on the road working in NOLA.  Yup!  New Orleans!  Sweating it out for another few weeks.

Quite a difference from my last gig.  Here's a photo or two!

CHURCHILL

Someone just told me - "If you're going through hell keep on walking." Churchill

As I continue 'walking' I am hoping for the best and it passes.

The countdown for this current project in NC has begun until I return to the safety of what I call, for the moment, home.  Soon enough I will be back with my two furballs and my kitchen.

The kitchen is where I find solitude.  Cooking is a tremendous stress relief for me.  Once upon a time, I made a kazillion cookies that I sent to everyone I know - worldwide - Of course, I don't eat anything but the batter.  However, I am told that the cookies are amazing.  Thanks, to a disgruntled person on Urban Legend who left the recipe to a Mrs. Fields cookie recipe. YUMMY!

I GET MEADOW MUFFINS

The pictures are self explanatory:

Daughter #2 shares a moment of her daily routine that includes a walk through the forest where she goes to school.  How beautiful.   

Daughter #1 spends spring break in Key West.  View from Mallory Square at sunset [stating the obvious]. 

And, me...  I get Meadow Muffins!!!  

Diamond in the RUFF

If I could figure a way to get to this cafe each morning without having to drive 1 hour and 23 minutes [thank you GPS], I wouldn't miss the experience.  Amelie's french cafe in Charlotte, NC.  

After spending 1 month in Paris not too long ago [to celebrate a milestone birthday] I thought I hit the jackpot with respect to cafes, but this little treasure bypasses all that I experienced cafe-wise.  The croissants are delicious, atmosphere - unbeatable, the 'sipping' hot chocolate is yummy; but, the soups are, by far, exceptional. My favorite is the spinach/asparagus soup.   [To obtain the recipe - www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com]

Of course, I will continue to trapse the globe having cafe 'tastings.'  One never knows when I will find another diamond in the RUFF..... OH, WAIT!!! I did!!! In Morocco, but that is for another day.

TELEPHONE

This has been a completely disheartening project I am currently working on in NC.  People here seem to have an alternative agenda aside from just WORK.  It's like the old 'telephone' game. ... Someone says something to someone and 10 people later it's twisted and causing havoc amongst 75 other people.  For the most part, these are contractual facts being spewed without warrant or justification.

And, the cause????  None.  Just to be gossip queens.  Hurtful.  

This behavior leads me to believe [or, confirm what I have been repeatedly told to me in the past] that no one is trustworthy.  Where does that leave me.... that I have to keep further to myself and become more of an introvert!  

Oh, a wandering I will go....  

NC

I have nothing to say about filming in Winston-Salem.  Trust me, I think everyone took dummy pills for this production!

The Wanderer

Vagabond - basically, a wanderer with no fixed home.  That would be the definitive description of my soul.  I don't think it's a bad thing. I like being able to pick up an go, trying new things, living in new places, eating new things...etc...  And, now, that my kids are older I am able to revisit the joy of travel and 'wander.'

Just recently, I spent 1 month celebrating a milestone birthday in one of my favorite cities; Paris.  Even though it was rainy almost daily, grey and cold, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  The food was still beyond fabulous, the walks along La Seine were still beautiful, and, according to my oldest daughter, the bread was the best she has ever tasted!!!  Agreed.  If I think about it hard enough I can even taste the fresh baguette right now!

Just after the first of 2013 we came home to our little New England town.  Only moments later, I was on a plane to my next job in the south - North Carolina - where I will stay until the beginning of April. On the odd occasion I am able to sneak home for a quick weekend visit with my furballs [cat and dog].

 In my first week in NC, I was encouraged to taste grits.  The ladies at the hotel brought me butter, syrup, honey and jam thinking that one of these additives may enhance the flavor enough of the pasty flavored cream of wheat type of food.  And, NO!  None of the aforementioned toppings enhanced the flavor enough for me to eat again.  Thank you, hotel ladies.

I do have a long history of travel and experiences that I will share.  But, for now, I am finishing my wine and going to bed.  Who knows, in the morning, when my head is clear, I may end of deleting this entire post and blog site.

Good night!