Fence Lust

I took this picture a couple of weeks ago while driving home. This is a pretty busy street with lots of pedestrian traffic and the homeowners choose this amazing welded art piece instead of a traditional fence. I LOVE IT!.

I like fences for privacy, but there is something so amazing and full of kindness and sharing when it comes to making your garden visible to all.

My "Not So " Secret Super Hero Fetish

I love, I mean LOVE superheroes. Something about righting wrongs, good vs evil, fragile humanity encased in super human power and flashy costumes. I am a super hero groupie. I watch Smallville and Heroes, have a secret hoard of Marvel comics and seriously want to name my first child, Thor. In fact I made my first superhero cape for my nephew this Christmas and I am definitely making one for myself, as soon as my craft room is set up. (maybe it will be more like a Superhero apron.. )

But where did this seemingly harmless obsession begin..... Journey back with me to yesteryear... a small child huddled in front of the TV (for far too long) on Saturday mornings..

Watching: (Thanks to You Tube for providing these flash backs: Click on title for video intro)

Mighty Isis
This was my all time favorite. In fact, at one time I wanted to be an archaeologist, because I was sure if I discovered an enchanted relic, I too could be a Superhero. Plus I loved her outfit. oooh and the jewelry!

Shazam
Almost made RVing seem cool. I really only watched this show, because sometimes they would have guest appearances with Isis. I remembering wondering just where were his parents and why did no one seem to object to the fact he never went to school.

Electra Woman and Dyna Girl
Second career aspiration, I would become a magazine writer(just like Electra Woman) and use it as my secret identity in my fight against crime. And I loved the outfits. This show also had the best theme song.

Bigfoot and Wild Boy
All I can say, the Pacific NW is a lot nicer than pictured in this show and 15 years in Seattle, I have yet to see Bigfoot.

A Scary Little Tale...

Once upon a time a government paid farmers to grow cheap crops during the war and lean times. Let’s say this crop was corn. The farmers were actually paid money, call subsidies to stop growing other crops (mainly those for human consumption) and focus on corn. Eventually times changed but the corn kept coming. Those with influence (let’s call them lobbyist and corporations) persuaded the government that it was in everyone’s best interest to keep up the production of corn. The problem was none of the public really wanted it that much.

But then, someone came up with a brilliant terrible idea. What if we could somehow change the corn into something else, something that could be put in everything without anyone noticing and would save corporations money by making food impervious to spoilage and so sweet it was mildly addictive? They worked long and hard and came up with a substance made from corn that did everything they wanted.

Flash forward a decade or two and the new substance that everyone ate (let’s call it corn syrup) was suddenly causing people to be sick. Food was no longer helping people, but causing all kinds of disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and autism.

The people who created the problem were panicked for only a second and then someone came up with another brilliant terrible idea. What if we tell everyone it is not the food, but rather their need for medication. We can start companies to help cure all the disease and make trillions. So they did just that. The money rolled in and things were great.

Until one day people began to suspect there really was something wrong with the food. The people, who created the problem, didn’t even panic this time. Things had worked so well with the medicine; they just decided to play along. “Gosh they cried, you are right there is something wrong with the food, but not to worry we can help. See we can make the same food with no Trans fat (which by the way we invented and stuck in the food in the first place), we can call the food all natural (which means nothing because we own the FDA) and we can say the food is low fat and no sugar added (which is really just semantics, because we have added even more corn syrup).” Great the people cried and they bought even more of the poisoned food. Eventually, the people were still getting sick, so the people who created the problem told them “why you just need more medication”. Of course the people believed this until….

Want to know what happens? I don't!!!! Which is why I am eating not just healthy but smart. The easiest way to eat smart, is to use the rule of grandmothers... Which is...

If a grandmother wouldn't cook with it than neither should you!

I am working on making this more eloquent, but basically... An Italian grandmother might use fresh herbs, capers and olive oil, so you can too. A Chinese grandmother, might use ginger, lemon grass and pea vines... so you can too.. and so on and so on... If you can't imagine someone's grandmother cooking with it than don't use it.. This rules out most processed ingredients, such as Splenda, Corn Syrup, Malodextrin and grain alcohol. And means you are eating food that are healthier and better for you... Would love feedback on my idea, what do you think?

Riddle Me This Batman....

Riddle: What is better than getting unexpected money? (scroll down for answer)

Answer: When the money you get is due to you being "all kinds of mature and responsible" and actually filing your taxes well before the due date!!!

Yeah!!!!! Me :-)

When food becomes the enemy

At some point in your life, food will become your enemy. The things that once made you salivate and sigh will cause, upset stomach, weight gain and gastric distress. You will approach each meal with trepidation, not sure what is friend and what is foe. You will over eat unsatisfying bowls of tasteless goo, trying to quench some imaginary hunger; Finally hungry, malnourished and defeated you will give up, eating what you know to be bad simply because it stays down and taste vaguely satisfying.

There is a great quote from Batman Begins, which goes something like, “Why do we fall, so we can learn to pick ourselves up” and thus, it is the same with food. You spend a few days or maybe even weeks feeling sorry for yourself and eating poorly. Suddenly you remember that when one door closes another one opens. And then you discover… Balsamic Vinegar, Organic Frozen Peaches, Duck Fat, Fresh Fennel, Lemon Olive Oil, Green Beans, Quinoa, Wild Salmon, Fresh Parsley, Chicken apple sausage and so on…

When food becomes the enemy, whether it is from food allergies or medical conditions, the important thing to do is vary your routine.

• This week, I hit the Pike Place Market, our year round farmers market,
• I visited Chef Shop, a local gourmet food warehouse, where I purchased heavenly lemon olive oil and to die for balsamic vinegar,
• Purchased meat I generally ignore, in this case chicken sausage,
• Found some good cook books, Gluten Free Girl and Pure Flavor,
• And finally cooked for myself as if I were a guest…

The result food and I are on speaking terms once again.