Latest Obsessions

Hello again! I'm back from my 2 months of radio silence.
Much like exercising in the morning, blogging regularly
takes a certain amount of dedication.  I don't always have the
motivation or feel like I have interesting things to say- but
I'm going to just jump right back in and see where it goes.

Lately I have been obsessed with...

*My Central Park Spot.  On my break I rush over to the little rowboat lake,
and bask on the rocks for about 10-15 minutes. Staring at the boaters,
watching for turtles, and marveling at this beautiful space that
exists within a sprawling concrete jungle.

*Chats with Mom Mom. I was briefly in Jersey this week and those visits
 always include stopping by my Mom Mom's house.  Sometimes she will
rush you out, claiming that you have other things to do and she doesn't want
to keep you- but not this time.  We had a nice long chat about everything
from family history to the importance of taking the time to really
cream the eggs and sugar for cake recipes. And thanks to technology I was able
to use my newfangled  iphone to show her what I've been up to and what
the husband and I have been cooking. It's so nice to be able to share
those things, I'm extremely thankful for the time I get to spend with her.

*Summer Fruits. I wait for this moment all year long. When I can finally
gorge myself on cherries, strawberries and raspberries- not to mention
all of the fruits that have yet to appear at the market.
Is there anything more magical than the summer harvest??

*Creating. Collaging, stamping, cooking, baking- always want to be
creating something.  And nothing gets you out of your own head like looking
at what other people have done or are doing.  A few weeks ago I picked up
a book about my favorite artist-and biggest collage inspiration, Hannah Hoch,
and just looking at her images inspired me to be a little bit more free
with my own. I've also been going to the Met, letting whatever
catch my eye, and then coming home and making something
based on the new favorites. It doesn't always turn out so good
but it's been a fun exercise to get into.

*Wines from the Savoie. A small region within the French Alps
(not too far from Valle d'Aosta in Northern Italy) that seems to be
showing up more and more on by the glass lists and in
boutique wine shops. The common grapes are Jacquere, Altesse,
Roussanne, Mondeuse and Pinot Noir. The whites are fresh,
minerally, and dry. Sometimes they will have a salinity that feels
similar to Muscadet, and a savory quality that is reminiscent of
parmesan rind.  The reds are fairly light, with dark fruits,
delicate tannins, and a gamey quality. I like them best with
a good chill- yes, you heard right. Chill.yo.reds.  The best part
about these wines is that they are ridiculously budget friendly
and are generally between $13-20 on the shelf.