If you love Two...
Read the first two paragraphs of this review of last week's TED conference in D.C. It will make you smile.
A house divided against itself can be awfully cute....
In our family, Halloween is known as "that day in October when you walk from door to door asking your neighbors for candy rather than votes."
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| Hettie the Elephant, Bald Eaglet Baby Willa, Phineas the Donkey |
Here's to a happy, safe, bipartisan holiday!
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Pumpkin Guts
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| Pumpkin guts taste good. |
Sometimes, the best things in life are easy. Take pumpkin seeds. It takes a huge amount of time to separate the meat of the pumpkin from the seeds. So why fight it? Place pumpkin guts flat on a cookie sheet. Drizzle or spray with olive oil. Toss with a mixture of ginger, cinnamon, cardamon, brown sugar, or parmesan cheese, rosemary, pepper and garlic. Bake pumpkin seeds and guts at a low heat (250 to 300, depending on your oven) until seeds are golden and guts and chewy -- 40 to 60 minutes, depending on how chewy you like things. Stir every 10-15 minutes. You can do the same preparation for pumpkin alone which you can use in salads, on sandwiches or in pastas and sauces. The sweet version is delicious with ice cream!
Boo!
When Halloween comes around, I try to dress up as something truly terrifying. This year the thing keeping me up at night has been the European debt crisis. I think we're scary enough to send someone running right off a fiscal cliff, don't you?
What are your costume plans? Also stay safe East Coast!
Brace Yourselves. . .
It's been snowing in Denver, and I have a feeling that New Haven and DC aren't far behind.
Politics and Pumpkins.
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It's a busy week, but I REALLY wanted to carve pumpkins. I've never been
a particularly gifted carver, but I love the process. Last night, my wonderful
husband walked to the store and brought me two beautiful pumpkins. During
the debate, I sat down with a carrot peeler and a pearing knife and carved
dots, hearts, an owl and a moon into the provided pumpkins (the owl &moon
were going to be hearts, but the eyes were too fantastic to miss! Have a great
week!
EAT ME and other images from harvest
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Cider and apples, grape juice and hay
Abundance charged with warm colors and crisp air.
Donuts scent flirts with the breeze that teases
Trees overflowing with pears
While leaves dancing, strolling down
to meet the pumpkins below.
As autumn winds blow into the future
Drink in the wonder of now: Harvest time.
~Pictures and Poetry By Two
On Inner Resources and French
I’m in the process of learning an important
lesson. It’s a lesson which is probably obvious for most people -- something which, in theory, I've understood for awhile, but which I haven't really recognized as being true until very recently.
Here's the thing, my life is really
wonderful right now. I have pretty much everything I want and need. But, despite apparent smooth sailing, I've actually been really struggling. I know I've always
been incredibly blessed, but there have been some really challenging periods in
my life--times when, externally, things seemed
pretty horrible. During these periods, it made sense that I struggled a little bit. And because of those experiences, it's easy for me to see that my life shouldn't be tough right now.
But it is.
I'm realizing that—almost no matter what—life is hard.
Sometimes it’s hard because unanticipated events disrupt our plans or families, sometimes it’s hard because it’s monotonous, sometimes it’s hard because it’s exhausting, sometimes it's hard because it's confusing, sometimes it's hard because it's disappointing and sometimes it’s hard because your French class is really hard. And makes you cry. Almost every day…..
But it is.
I'm realizing that—almost no matter what—life is hard.
Sometimes it’s hard because unanticipated events disrupt our plans or families, sometimes it’s hard because it’s monotonous, sometimes it’s hard because it’s exhausting, sometimes it's hard because it's confusing, sometimes it's hard because it's disappointing and sometimes it’s hard because your French class is really hard. And makes you cry. Almost every day…..
A couple of weeks ago, Daw Anh San Suu Kyi came
to my school. Thanks to the ever chivalrous Brother
S., I was able to get in to hear her speak. The talk she gave was simpler, but also much more personally meaningful than I anticipated. For me, the most profound part came during the question and answer period. When asked about how she
coped with the oppressive boredom that must have accompanied the years she
spent under house arrest, she said this:
“Inner resources are
important to keep you going under all circumstances. These inner resources you
acquire throughout life, not just during your years in school. I would say to
try to strengthen yourself internally. Don’t depend too much on external
factors. You must be able to live with yourself. What is important for you is
not just to be able to suffer the hardships of bad fortune but also to know how
to suffer the forces of good fortune.”
Over the last weeks, I fear I've
allowed eternal forces (forces related to my good fortune) to hinder my ability to enjoy life—and to stifle the development of my internal resources. By giving external things undue
significance, I’ve given them the power to make me extremely unhappy. It seems
infantile, almost ridiculous when I write it, but between worrying about what's going to happen over the next five years and struggling in one of my classes, I've been a very unhappy person for the past 7 weeks. I don’t think I’ve ever cried this much—or so easily. I’ve never been so homesick, so nostalgic, so
exhausted, so anxious, or so incoherent! I’ve
never doubted myself and my abilities so much.
I realize my current problems
are acutely insignificant—in the grand scheme of my life and compared with the problems so many others face. But these "problems" have forced some serious, painful and probably important introspection. They've forced me to realize how much I rely on validation from
others, how I expect to succeed when I put in effort, how much I rely on support from my family, how unhappy and
confused I become when I don't receive accolades for my efforts, how afraid I am of failure. Basically, how much external forces can impact my personal happiness.
I've also come to realize that, sometimes, more visibly apparent hardships make coping simpler. Perhaps this is because, when you go through an obvious trial, people around you recognize what you're going through. Maybe it's because these challenges often have significance, not just for you--but to others too. Or maybe it's because you feel validated in blaming sadness and unhappiness associated with these trials on things outside of your control....But maybe it's important to recognize the significance of the seemingly insignificant trials--not just for my own personal development, but in order to be more empathetic with others. To see that, regardless of how it may appear on the outside, everyone is struggling in some way or another, and that everyone's challenges are substantial and significant.
These trials of good fortune are tricky and I think it might take me awhile to learn to cope with them graciously. But, I guess that's what this thing called life is for, right?
I've also come to realize that, sometimes, more visibly apparent hardships make coping simpler. Perhaps this is because, when you go through an obvious trial, people around you recognize what you're going through. Maybe it's because these challenges often have significance, not just for you--but to others too. Or maybe it's because you feel validated in blaming sadness and unhappiness associated with these trials on things outside of your control....But maybe it's important to recognize the significance of the seemingly insignificant trials--not just for my own personal development, but in order to be more empathetic with others. To see that, regardless of how it may appear on the outside, everyone is struggling in some way or another, and that everyone's challenges are substantial and significant.
These trials of good fortune are tricky and I think it might take me awhile to learn to cope with them graciously. But, I guess that's what this thing called life is for, right?
Also... Since when did my hair turn red?
Right before my sweet husband and I became an item, a friend and I were out when he asked me if I'd died my hair red. I laughed at him and said of course not. I few years ago at a conference, someone mentioned my red hair and again, I laughed it off. With Anne (with an E) being my childhood hero, I always wanted red hair. Well, I was going though pictures when I came upon some recent headshots and to my amazement, something crazy has happened. A very silly life long dream has come true without the help of photoshop or a bottle. My hair -- perhaps with chemical help from all of my medications -- has turned red. I don't know how long it will stay like this, but this is my little hair color miracle. And I wanted to share it with you.
From Black Tie to the Bronx
Grand Lake
We tromped through the first snow of the season, marveled at an enormous herd of elk, saw a poacher (!), made an illegal u-turn to get a better view of three gangly lady moose, gave up counting stars when we reached "a bazillion," walked into an antique shop and ended up sharing a bowl of homemade gumbo with the owner using silver spoons from 1897 that he borrowed from their box on the store shelf, got a speeding ticket, kept a fire burning for three days straight, baked pumpkin muffins, and shared it all with dear, dear friends who make marvelous things even more perfect.
The parallel multiverse
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| The farm where Nicole's family lives |
This week I am reminded of the Everett Theory or the Many Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics -- the theory that the universe is really a superposition of coherent states yielding infinitely divergent yet parallel quantum states. Why specifically this week and not every week you ask, in total disbelief? Well I happened to attend the beautiful wedding ceremony for one of my best friends growing up, Nicole. And I will let you be the judge of the appropriateness of this analogy. The two of us were born the same year, the same month, the same day in the same hospital and were placed adjacent beds in the general nursery after being born within the same hour. We grew up in Denver, both home schooled, both uniquely different from others but finding great comfort and common ground in our differentness that enhanced our togetherness. And from this coherence began eerily parallel divergence. Nicole (and her lovely family) moved to Nashville, while I moved to Washington DC. Nicole would later begin dating JL, a creative and big-hearted musician while I would begin dating Dr P, at about the same time. In June of this year, I married Dr P, the love of my life. And a few weeks ago, Nicole glowed with pure radiance as she became Mrs. JL in charming Nashville.
I hope that the analogy ends here and that the reality of our states isn't permanently altered because you are observing it by seeing these lovely photographs, as the theory would imply.
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| Wonderful old friends |
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| Evidently the Parthenon is in Nashville |
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| The Vanderbilt campus |
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| Crema, a fantastically hip coffee shop |
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| If squash had faces |
A Confession:
Peanut Ginger Soup
I've been know to get a little crazy overly exuberant when produce is involved. Like the time week before last when I bought 20 lbs. of farm fresh produce for me and Yoni to eat. Yeah.... Like that time. And if necessity is the mother of invention, over purchasing of produce is it's father... or other mother (since I am usually doing the shopping).
Among the heirloom tomatoes, the muscadine, the mountain apples and squash was one, giant bag of kale. And yesterday, we realized it HAD to be used or disposed of before it went the way of compost. I vaguely remembered a Marc Bittmann article about how exceptional peanut soup was, so I decided I would try my own bittmanesque techniques at recipe making.
Ingredients:
1 large onion, the color doesn't matter much, but purple is always pretty
1 large sweet potato carrots work if you don't have sweet potato on hand. So would acorn or butternut squash. All of which I purchased at this farmer's market. But it was so cheap! (unlike the hipster ones in the city)
As much kale as you need to get rid of. You can also use another green, but the hardier ones hold up well in the broth.
1 14 ounce can tomatoes or 2 large fresh ones (optional)
1 cup cooked quinoa, rice or another grain (optional)
2 tofu stakes. Feel free to use another protein -- temphe or chicken would probably be the best other options
1/2 cup seed or nut butter I used a mix of sunflower, flax seed and peanut butters, unsalted and unsweetened are preferable
4 cups veggie stock you can substitute one cup broth for coconut milk, which would be absolutely delicious.
1 thumb sized knob of ginger, grated
Water, salt and pepper and olive (or other) oil
So I say to use onions, sweet potato and kale, but any hearty veggies would do -- think potatoes, root veggies, squash, tomatoes, hearty greens like collards, kale, mustard greens, even eggplant -- pretty much any veggie that cooks well. Chop the onions and let oil heat in a large stock pot or cast iron pot on medium high. Sweat onions. As they are sweating, cut up your sweet potato (or carrots or squash) and toss it in. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Add a pinch of salt. Let veggies saute. After a few minutes, add torn kale into the sauted mix, stirring frequently. If you want tomatoes, now if the time to add them to the mix. stir and once a little bit of the moisture has come out, add the peanut butter. Stir in until smooth and finally, add the rest of the broth, the ginger, cooked grain and the tofu, cut into bite sized pieces. Let simmer until potatoes are tender and tofu is heated through.
Among the heirloom tomatoes, the muscadine, the mountain apples and squash was one, giant bag of kale. And yesterday, we realized it HAD to be used or disposed of before it went the way of compost. I vaguely remembered a Marc Bittmann article about how exceptional peanut soup was, so I decided I would try my own bittmanesque techniques at recipe making.
Ingredients:
1 large onion, the color doesn't matter much, but purple is always pretty
1 large sweet potato carrots work if you don't have sweet potato on hand. So would acorn or butternut squash. All of which I purchased at this farmer's market. But it was so cheap! (unlike the hipster ones in the city)
As much kale as you need to get rid of. You can also use another green, but the hardier ones hold up well in the broth.
1 14 ounce can tomatoes or 2 large fresh ones (optional)
1 cup cooked quinoa, rice or another grain (optional)
2 tofu stakes. Feel free to use another protein -- temphe or chicken would probably be the best other options
1/2 cup seed or nut butter I used a mix of sunflower, flax seed and peanut butters, unsalted and unsweetened are preferable
4 cups veggie stock you can substitute one cup broth for coconut milk, which would be absolutely delicious.
1 thumb sized knob of ginger, grated
Water, salt and pepper and olive (or other) oil
So I say to use onions, sweet potato and kale, but any hearty veggies would do -- think potatoes, root veggies, squash, tomatoes, hearty greens like collards, kale, mustard greens, even eggplant -- pretty much any veggie that cooks well. Chop the onions and let oil heat in a large stock pot or cast iron pot on medium high. Sweat onions. As they are sweating, cut up your sweet potato (or carrots or squash) and toss it in. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Add a pinch of salt. Let veggies saute. After a few minutes, add torn kale into the sauted mix, stirring frequently. If you want tomatoes, now if the time to add them to the mix. stir and once a little bit of the moisture has come out, add the peanut butter. Stir in until smooth and finally, add the rest of the broth, the ginger, cooked grain and the tofu, cut into bite sized pieces. Let simmer until potatoes are tender and tofu is heated through.
A few random things I learned this week...
There is a difference between bacterial and fungal and viral meningitis, the latter of which is significantly less likely to kill you than its more baleful cousins.
This is great! Because guess who has viral meningitis? Moi.
It is most unfortunate whenever an ailment this pernicious strikes.
When it strikes as you are driving home from dropping your husband at the airport for a four night business trip, it has the potential for disaster.
Momo, with a little help from Z, can stave off almost any disaster.
The end.
When it strikes as you are driving home from dropping your husband at the airport for a four night business trip, it has the potential for disaster.
Momo, with a little help from Z, can stave off almost any disaster.
The end.
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| They are pretty good medicine. |
***
Yes, friends, it was a crummy week. But the Mister is home, my head didn't actually explode, and I'm feeling much better now, thank you!
A Trip to the Farm (two farms, actually)
S, Four, and I went to a farm this weekend. Two farms, actually. The day was nippy and fresh and bright. Exactly as a day at a farm (two farms, actually) should be. We trundled into a bus with a few dozen other students and drove for an hour or so. When we reached farm we were treated to a pancake, granola, and fresh-of-the branch caramelized apple breakfast. It was delicious.
The first farmer spoke about the environmental, economic, and political facts which dictate how she runs her farm. We learnt about local vs. organic agriculture, the perils of drought, frost, and flood, and the nuances of labor and immigration. Then they set us loose to each pick a little sugar pumpkin to take home.
The next farm we visited was a run by the original owner's great-great-grandson. He took us into a giant refrigerated room, heady with nitric oxide and the scent of fresh apples. It stored thousands of bushels of fruit, waiting to be shipped to destinations from Connecticut to Israel. At apple-season's height, the farm-hands harvest apples ten hours a day seven day a week, and the farmer's machines wash, wax, and label up to ten thousand apples daily.
One of the orchards had been caught by frost. The surviving fruits had gobbled up so much extra energy and nutrients that they were "too big to sell". The farmer let us pick a few before they dropped from their branches to rot amongst the long grass below. We ate them in the rows of the orchard; they were crisp and sweet and floral. Exactly as an apple should be.
Notes from and Indian bride part 3
I was going to try to explain the whole Hindu-wedding shabang to y'all, but then I remembered that for our Wedding Premal put together a really lovely guide to the many rituals that make up the marriage ceremony. And so I present to you--
Dr. P's Guide to a Hindu Wedding
A Hindu marriage is a mental, physical, and spiritual union of two souls, as well as a bond between two families. The wedding ceremony is based on sacred scriptures written in Sanskrit, known as the Vedas, which date back several thousand years. The sacred fire that will be established in the Mandap symbolizes the illumination of the mind, knowledge and happiness, and is considered to be an eternal witness to the holy union as it progresses
Fresh flowers signify beauty
Coconut and Rice signifies fertility
Jaggery and grains signify the food necessary for life
Ghee is offered to the sacred fire
Sindhoor placement on the head signifies change in status to being married.
Milni ~ Arrival and Welcoming of the Groom’s Family
Premal and his family and friends are welcomed by Liberty's family at the entrance of the temple. This serves often as the first meeting of the extended family members and friends of both families. Aarti (prayer) will be performed and the bride and groom are blessed with flower petals.
Ganesh Puja ~ Prayer to Ganesh
The wedding ceremony, like all big events in Hindu culture, begins with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, for the successful completion of the ceremony and to bless the couple with happiness, peace, and prosperity throughout their lives together.
Arrival of the Bride
The bride is escorted to the Mandap by her brothers. A veil is drawn between the couple. A custom originating in ancient India, when the groom would not have seen the bride until the moment the cloth is lowered!
Kanyadaan~ Giving of the Bride
Liberty’s mother offers her daughter's hands and asks him to accept her as his equal in their life together. While the Jaimala serves as a promise of the union, this sweet gesture literalizes it. The bride's mother entrusts the groom with her care for the rest of their lives.
Ganthibandhan~ Tying the Knot
Premal's sister (or in this case cousin) ties the corner of Liberty's sari to Premal's scarf as a symbol of their sacred and permanent union as husband and wife. This is an important step following which the two will truly function as one unit.
Mangalsutra Dhahran
The groom ties a Mangalsutra (a sacred necklace) around his wife’s neck while uttering - “May you live long by wearing this sacred Mangalsutra, the reason of my life”. The mangalsutra symbolizes the unending nature of the love that exists between a husband and wife and is therefore also considered a talisman to overcome challenges that the couple may face in the future.
LajaHoma~ offering of Puffed Rice to Sacred fire
Liberty’s brothers pour laja (puffed rice) into the hands of the Bride and Groom to offer to the fire. The priest offers prayers to dispel darkness and ignorance from the couple's life and to lead them to an enlightened state.
MangalPhera ~ Walking around the Fire
Premal and Liberty walk around the sacred fire seven times. Liberty taking the lead for the first three rounds, symbolizing Dharma (righteousness), Artha (accomplishment), and Kama (energy and passion) before handing off to Premal for the next four rounds, which symbolize Moksha (spiritual liberation).
Sindhoora Arpana and Ring Exchanges
The tradition of Sindhoor comes from the Harappan civilization. The bright red color of sindhoor signifies the blood that allows all of us to live. The groom applies Sindhoor to his bride's forehead, signifying that she is a married woman, and that he will cherish her like his own life. The couple also exchanges rings.
Presentation of the Couple
Premal and Liberty leave the Mandap as husband and wife as the priest and guests offer their blessings.
I've included Dr. P's complete guide after the jump for anyone interested. It's a bit long, but then so is the ceremony, and as someone who learned a lot from it, I think it's worth reading.