somewhere beyond the sea…

…Somewhere waitin’ for me…
my lover stands on golden sand!
And watches the ships that go sailin’

Somewhere beyond the sea
She’s there watchin’ for me
If I could fly like birds on high
Then straight to her arms I’d go sailin’

It’s far beyond the star
It’s near beyond the moon
I know beyond a doubt
My heart will lead me there soon

We’ll meet beyond the shore
We’ll kiss just as before
Happy we’ll be, beyond the sea
And never again I’ll go sailin’

Some might say today is a “Hallmark Holiday”, and I do agree… but I also say it’s a great reminder to appreciate the special people in your life (cat, wife, mailman, yourself), oh and eat chocolate all day. After all, who doesn’t like being treated?

Today I will do my best to treat my sweet Husman, and think of those I love. Have fun & embrace the day… it’s good for your Heart, whoever you are.

Keeping the resolution going…

Taking time out for a relaxing day, and indulging… and posting a bit of ‘food porn.’

Based on Mario Batali’s zabaglione recipe. I added a splash of Grand Marnier just as a personal preference. The chocolate part is basically 3 parts chocolate chunks to 1 part milk or cream, melted in a bowl in the microwave.

closing thoughts

I sort of had an epiphany yesterday, and I think it might be perfectly timed with the New Year and making resolutions and all that.

D had left for the day and I was alone in the house, in my pj’s, contemplating whether to go for a rigorous, hilly walk, or sit down at my computer and get some stuff done. Mourning the end of Christmas and that whole warm, cozy season where everyone is drinking, partying, cooking and planning events brought me to a place that made me realize I hadn’t yet had enough. I still wanted permission to eat cookies for breakfast (even if I almost never do that) and be excited for Holiday parties, and plan fun menus, and look forward to a magical time when for a short few days the world might slow down just a bit.

Then I kind of realized that I myself had not slowed down just a bit. Sure work is lighter this time of year (it’s ok to say that, right? Well it’s true) but I always find ways to keep busy. There are numerous tasks one can do to fill time; blogging for one. Cleaning the house, taking photos around the area, working on photos for art purposes, contacting people/networking/gorilla marketing, talking to cafes which might display my photos, etc etc. There are always things to do when you own a business. And if I’m not doing something like that then I immediately feel lazy. Why should I be allowed to sit around? Aren’t I motivated enough to have my own business?!?

Cute store I found on a walk

Well, yesterday I made the conscious choice to stay in my pj’s until noon, watch some Cooking Channel, and although I did have a sensible breakfast of fresh juice and wheat toast with almond butter I did allow myself a nice lunch of leftover risotto and chocolate cake with whipped cream. And I ate that chocolate cake on a special plate I use for special occasions while sitting on the couch watching some Cleopatra “portrait of a killer” thing on the History channel (because there is no Real Housewives of Beverly Hills this week).

A special plate

It was excellent. I let my mind wander, passively watching Cleopatra while contemplating other things… and when I was finished I felt super inspired and knew what I wanted to make for dinner, what I needed to buy to fix my bathroom sink, and that I wanted to watch Lost episodes that afternoon. I didn’t do my hair after showering because I didn’t much feel like it.

Dinner!

I realized the truth is if you DON’T slow down, you will go down. Sink to the bottom of the ocean and lose your mind. And your creativity and your sense of free will. I have realized this before but I suppose I needed a refresher. So my New Year’s resolution is to maintain balance in my life, and give myself permission to stray from the middle line. And if I start craving a snow day or cookies for breakfast I will know that I need to allow myself some downtime and take a breather. There are too many rules. I’m not going to go out and dance in a laundromat because I don’t want to, but I might try some other things — all in moderation of course.

Let’s say it together:

This year remember to use the ‘special’ plates sometimes, and put some whip on that cake, and use those fun expensive skin product samples you keep saving for a grand occasion. Set out on a walk with no particular destination and see what you find. Plan a party, watch an indulgent show, eat some cheese. Who knows where it might take you?

Family Lifestyle Shoot

A recent peek into the lives of some very special people:

JTM Construction: Poulsbo City Hall

I met with JTM Construction on a sunny day in Poulsbo to shoot their finished project, the Poulsbo City Hall. Materials incorporated were reflective of the town’s mariner, beachy feel with beautiful wood everywhere (and a large sliding door with a glass insert containing many small seashells that looked like a mosaic), while still maintaining a very modern feel. There was a green roof and some other thoughtful eco-touches around also.

Beer West Mag

The new Beer West Magazine just came out! Check my photos in the article featuring Brian Scheehser; executive chef at farm-to-table restaurant Trellis, in Kirkland. Article by Kendall Jones of Washington Beer Blog.

This was SUCH a fun shoot – besides great beer/food & scenery, spending time with the cerebral musings of Brian Scheehser on his beautiful farm was amazing. I left with some new food knowledge, a feeling of ease, and a big basket of farm goodies.