Morning Attempt

This morning I attempted to make the Parisian Macarons.

And...


they're flat and bumpy.

The almonds are an issue. I have to grind them finer. Much finer. Only, I'm not sure how. The cuisinart didn't do it and the mortar and pestle didn't do it. The closest I could get was with the coffee grinder. So, I might try and do it again with that or go to the local bake shop and see what they recommend.

I think I over-cooked them too. I left them in the oven for the recommended time, but every oven is different.

I did make lovely stiff peaks of egg whites that I dyed green. But the green didn't seem to make it through the oven experience. More food coloring? I don't know.

They're definitely a delicate pastry, but I will not give up! I will prevail!!!

An Inspiring Perspective

I'm used to seeing the world a certain way. My perspective. I think it's something everyone does most of the time. It's easier and doesn't require any extra attention. I see the world as I see it. Plain and simple.

I feel stuck sometimes. Stuck in my writing. Stuck in my art. Stuck in my daily patterns. That's when I say I need inspiration. I.N.S.P.I.R.A.T.I.O.N. And I sit back in my chair and think about exotic places and distant lands I could visit and, thus, replenish myself. Life, unfortunately, doesn't always allow for the much needed travel. But I still need inspiration.

I started thinking about inspiration and realized that a big part of it is really just about changing perspective. Traveling makes it easy. You're instantly thrust into a new culture with vistas you've never seen and flavors you've never tasted. If you immerse yourself in it, you'll probably emerge renewed.

Since I can't travel as much as I'd like, I've decided to try a change of perspective on the home front. Like looking at something or someone I see every day from a new angle. Even trying a new recipe (like Parisian Macaroons) or simply taking a different path to the grocery store. The change isn't quite as sudden as dropping down on a distant tropical island, but it counteracts the discouragement I feel when stagnancy sets in.

So, here's to making new discoveries in everyday life.

Perseverance

It's a rainy day and I'm sitting here drinking some black tea called Ancient Forests. It's suppose to come from some really old tea plants. We're talking a couple thousand years. The tea is dark and sort of tastes like dirt, but in a good way. Does that make any sense at all?

So, I suddenly got an idea in my head. I don't know if it's a good idea or a bad one, but I want to try and bake Parisian Macaroons. The thing is, I AM AFRAID!. These little confectionary treats scare me. They seem delicate and daunting. But as the Bene Gesserit would say, "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. [...] I will face my fear. I will permit it to passover me and through me."

So, I will attempt them. And soon. If I fail, then I'll try again. The first three times I attempted making bread with yeast the loaves were as hard as a rock. But now I can make yummy, warm, soft bread. I just needed to figure out the whole sugar/yeast/warm water thing. So, when I try and make these Parisian Macaroons they might fall flat and look nothing like they're suppose to and I might cry and be frustrated, but I will persevere. I'm learning to do that more and more. Persevere. It's a good thing.

I'm also almost done with a draft of my novel. Of course, this is just one draft of many to follow. But I'm almost done!!! And it's a crucial point for me, because sometimes when I'm almost done with a project, I have a hard time finishing it. It's that fear again. Frakking fear! So, I joined a little March mini-NaNo, so that I can finish the draft this month. Here's to motivation and facing the fear!


Ooo, I think the sun just came out!!!

A Scarf Of Scrap

I am continually inspired by Noro Kureyon. The boldness of color almost seems to glow with its own light. My latest use of Noro yarn came out of trying to figure out exactly what I should do with all the leftovers from other projects.

Eventually, I decided to create a scarf. Straightforward and uncomplicated. The pattern is a simple garter stitch that I lightly felted. I have to say that this scarf of remnants is my new favorite. I especially love it because it provides a bit of radiance on a cloudy winter day.

Airships And Zombies And Blight! Oh, My!

Earlier this week I mentioned the novel, Boneshaker. Well, I finished it and I have to say that it was a thrilling, page-turning experience. Read it! Of course, if you don't like zombies or dirigibles or mad scientists or steampunk or heart-pounding adventure or Seattle, then you probably won't like this book. Otherwise, I seriously recommend you read it because it's also a story about family (the family you make and the family that makes you) and all the remarkable and infuriating aspects of having relatives.























Now, I'm off to find some more reading material.

Enchantment

Snow enchants me when it glimmers blue in the moonlight and blankets the world so everything quiets down just a bit.

Snow enlivens me with promises of midnight sledding and snowball fights.

Snow comforts me with memories of winters past and childhood delights.

And when the snow falls it compels me to take notice and remember that life was meant more for the saunter than the sprint.

A Snowy Excuse To Read

It's a new year and it's cold outside. Luckily, I like the cold and I especially like the snow which is currently covering the ground. More than snow, I also like the excuse to stay indoors and read.

Here's a bit of what I'm currently reading...

Book #1
I just started a novel entitled Boneshaker.
























I was initially drawn to the book because of the cover art. I just love the image. Now that I'm reading it, I'm also thoroughly enjoying the story. I can't put it down! I had never heard of Cherie Priest (the author) before, but if Boneshaker continues being the inventive, gripping adventure it currently is, then I'm definitely going to check out her other books.

Book #2
I recently picked up the book Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts from the library (I love me the interlibrary loan system).
























I've been thumbing through the book and it is filled with lots of great techniques to bring out creativity. I'm looking forward to trying some of the projects. Who knows, I might just have to buy it.

Book #3
I've been reading E.B. White's essays for awhile now.
























I pick the book up sporadically and take in a couple essays at a time. I loved Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little when I was a kid. So, I was curious about what he wrote for the non-children. What amazes me the most about the essays is the relevance of the material even if the essay was written sixty years ago. His work is poignant and filled with humor. It's perceptive and uncomplicated. It fills me with emotion while making me ruminate on the actions of mankind. His writing is simply wonderful.

Book #4
The other book that I am currently dipping into is Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss.
























It's an entertaining and sobering look at the state of grammar and all the mistakes we make as poor, imperfect human beings (if only we were pandas). I have the illustrated version and I appreciate the book more because of the drawings of pandas in various states of grammar. If there are any grammatical and/or mistakes in punctuation in this blog entry, I thoroughly apologize to Ms. Truss. I am only human. :o)

So, that's it. That is what I'm currently reading. Hope your book explorations are going well.