tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31942976740573337282024-03-14T11:33:14.170-04:00The Lion's ShareWelcome!The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-23927192366167679652011-02-14T08:00:00.001-05:002011-02-14T08:40:22.458-05:00Moving Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioM5ES5GBCumqP0Fb3iwmak5vMViDyQCjvd5uG-fpxhHDHN8xsbm9fwLee_uagJw2LkBJN62-1aQoxFP5K1VLay9xi6dL-OAFPEegrLnKslLNjhb8vc8c04Pa4_gTARohLF41Wo6jFbqyH/s1600/logo_new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioM5ES5GBCumqP0Fb3iwmak5vMViDyQCjvd5uG-fpxhHDHN8xsbm9fwLee_uagJw2LkBJN62-1aQoxFP5K1VLay9xi6dL-OAFPEegrLnKslLNjhb8vc8c04Pa4_gTARohLF41Wo6jFbqyH/s320/logo_new.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It's moving day!!! A while back I came on here and declared that it was time to let go of my old website.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2009/04/letting-go.html">"Letting Go" </a><br />
<br />
It seems that day has finally arrived.<br />
<br />
Introducing the NEW <a href="http://www.lion-art.com/">LionArt Creations</a>!<br />
<br />
The new address is <a href="http://www.lion-art.com/">http://www.lion-art.com</a> Update your bookmarks!<br />
<br />
Please join me <a href="http://lion-art.com/">there now</a>!<br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-62746370426221442562011-02-11T08:00:00.001-05:002011-02-11T14:39:56.937-05:00Moving Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF0eRrd28dgZuJFhv1-uiS7YRUKqXKVU94iT51GcJZ201-ShFV6RASPBJKuWMpPMC0-GgFpLnc4x0Mh8mHbK5UQMqw-zJEheVfiX2h-JRU6MirUtLyNfzMAxLpDb_qTnnzI0w2b2Ui4hi/s1600/sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF0eRrd28dgZuJFhv1-uiS7YRUKqXKVU94iT51GcJZ201-ShFV6RASPBJKuWMpPMC0-GgFpLnc4x0Mh8mHbK5UQMqw-zJEheVfiX2h-JRU6MirUtLyNfzMAxLpDb_qTnnzI0w2b2Ui4hi/s320/sandwich.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2009/02/pret-manger-to-rescue.html">Pret A Manger Lunch!</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am deviating from my blog schedule today...this whole week has been a bit off with the long weekend and all...so no food blog today :( I haven't done any cooking this week to write about! (Besides some quick slow cooker chili with bbq pulled pork, black beans and okra). There has been a lot of shifts and changes.</div><br />
I've been noticing that a lot of things have been revolving around moving lately. My office has moved across the floor, my website is moving to another location...(more on that later :) <br />
So there's been a lot of taking personal things back to my apartment...packing up desk supplies...<br />
<br />
I looked at it as an opportunity to purge and to separate my work/office life from my home life. I was going to say "home, real life." But they are both my reality right now, no matter how much I want change...or despite the changes that are occurring.<br />
<br />
So office will be office and home will be home. With a few personal touches on my desk to make me happy but not feel tied there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVJstbmu2fnwOulX0kCsaXCyRmZmm0GpNd-YBLYbBA5JsWFbxmc58SR8TmMrzYKY5f6VFhnl1jSIhT9y3JYRMOj7YfO6LdP2iv0s-agjnsDrA3f2Vu6FHXFj05zwHKK7eV7-SpFps2Pe4/s1600/office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVJstbmu2fnwOulX0kCsaXCyRmZmm0GpNd-YBLYbBA5JsWFbxmc58SR8TmMrzYKY5f6VFhnl1jSIhT9y3JYRMOj7YfO6LdP2iv0s-agjnsDrA3f2Vu6FHXFj05zwHKK7eV7-SpFps2Pe4/s320/office.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">New cubicle wall </span></div><br />
I've been sneezing from all the dust moving kicks up. I suppose this is what happens when we start moving things around in our lives. We kick up some dust...and sneeze a little...but then we have a brand new view. <br />
<br />
And speaking of new views...this is the last full blog I'm going to post here on blogger! Yes, on Monday I'm launching my new website which will house the blog, my photo galleries, writing samples, Etsy link. It will be one-stop shopping for all things LionArt Creations.<br />
<br />
XO<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-6449627557947946742011-02-08T09:30:00.007-05:002011-02-08T13:20:23.361-05:00Scotch, Tea and Tiaras<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMw7bJEMxfh9EUrzR-tH7EtXzsUpI59_8Sf-TNLX-dtTMqlM2fY1Zj-UHMddQ8g7oaSuxq2Pc4rp9yowDe5laqzlw8wFMEM8AmTUzL6OnNF52Lyl5XCiekZht2F7Vc_WSJh1dPxvzw_GG/s1600/scotchtea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMw7bJEMxfh9EUrzR-tH7EtXzsUpI59_8Sf-TNLX-dtTMqlM2fY1Zj-UHMddQ8g7oaSuxq2Pc4rp9yowDe5laqzlw8wFMEM8AmTUzL6OnNF52Lyl5XCiekZht2F7Vc_WSJh1dPxvzw_GG/s320/scotchtea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hard at work in the kitchen...</span></div><br />
This seems to be the season of food at friend's houses. The fall held the <a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2010/11/family-affair-part-1.html">weekend at my cousin's</a>, last weekend I had <a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2011/01/feeling-fearand-doing-it-anyway.html">brunch at Kim's</a>...and this past Sunday was pizza in town and then a combined effort at whisky-laced apple cake (we sort of veered off recipe).<br />
<br />
The day started off with something new for me...a trip on New Jersey Transit. Mint tea in hand, I was off for a day of girl time with Sara and Heather.<br />
<br />
One of the many things I loved about the day, was that it was completely unplanned and relaxed. We decided to go into town for pizza instead of making lunch at the house, which was the original "plan." If we had followed that plan, though, I wouldn't have been introduced to french fry, chicken and hot sauce pizza or Greek salad pizza...what a tragedy that would have been! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaLk0Zs-0Ur3Sa6R6VzfNXk4VCEy0lrTEGlskeOoSLECSrne0OHRN6o69Ms3g3VLd_8-aY49foLBknoO9TxuV3yDS1JNQUCBemvGjf7dIOfp649fVjzu2NYUbZ_fjZHbL74GtSCf4ceyr/s1600/frypizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaLk0Zs-0Ur3Sa6R6VzfNXk4VCEy0lrTEGlskeOoSLECSrne0OHRN6o69Ms3g3VLd_8-aY49foLBknoO9TxuV3yDS1JNQUCBemvGjf7dIOfp649fVjzu2NYUbZ_fjZHbL74GtSCf4ceyr/s320/frypizza.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Delicious Insanity<br />
</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2Xuc7o31_riga49mTKipqOs0zOkZerHL2Bp0YqbHBErLOoyKe89V83bfsvcpg5xlTHslZGsO_CdS30j0jJrPOZ0HqRX9abc2Wf8d8IT3h_OO7_Uq4S3cGBZaFnuOqw-bi-T8jVTYENv3/s1600/greekpizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2Xuc7o31_riga49mTKipqOs0zOkZerHL2Bp0YqbHBErLOoyKe89V83bfsvcpg5xlTHslZGsO_CdS30j0jJrPOZ0HqRX9abc2Wf8d8IT3h_OO7_Uq4S3cGBZaFnuOqw-bi-T8jVTYENv3/s320/greekpizza.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Healthy, right???</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I had brought two little cookbooks obtained while in Inverness a few years ago so we started to make "Apple Plate Cake" when we returned to the house. However, it quickly turned into our own boozy concoction of apples, whisky and cinnamon...mixed with a lot of laughter and a wee bit of gossip.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0FeREXS-SHgYhf0PEVgufCaHWBxAOrRaQs5P82Xc1ZgCuC9tZUV1coMmxPVvY2yC8LTmZiuzbx6sIZTpM6oFD3ukntXIhSLqe7rrVRCnm-3i5JcjPF-4w61v8BF9cHU2jOxgwkZdprn9/s1600/cookbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0FeREXS-SHgYhf0PEVgufCaHWBxAOrRaQs5P82Xc1ZgCuC9tZUV1coMmxPVvY2yC8LTmZiuzbx6sIZTpM6oFD3ukntXIhSLqe7rrVRCnm-3i5JcjPF-4w61v8BF9cHU2jOxgwkZdprn9/s320/cookbook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHw3yNXlJeYh2rAffNnCd1RnJ79u_pVZcU86rNpQgnBUBxdK9WHAy-D-ycUlH1XtZRE1ortMreFKLKv7XyKReNVy5ZttRWYi6TFZV0ZLG5Hqx3zAiKXd8yMekRHnPJ3Ws_ZibJBtgpLy_X/s1600/rawapplepie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHw3yNXlJeYh2rAffNnCd1RnJ79u_pVZcU86rNpQgnBUBxdK9WHAy-D-ycUlH1XtZRE1ortMreFKLKv7XyKReNVy5ZttRWYi6TFZV0ZLG5Hqx3zAiKXd8yMekRHnPJ3Ws_ZibJBtgpLy_X/s320/rawapplepie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cake before it went into the oven</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">While we waited for the cake to bake...we drank tea, whisky, </span><span style="font-size: small;">wore </span><span style="font-size: small;"> crowns and watched <i>Doctor Who at the Proms</i>...you know, the usual. I also </span>repeatedly disappointed Sara with all the movies I haven't seen. No, I've never seen "The Godfather" or "ET."<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmf9KV-KEhx0oUEKZ-Y4cfsoRG25tiPa8YZhiNfFDCMjkmQTf_PaJCdQT1BJc8FMm1DbeafDxLx157iFG4HGEI0TAUk96BeqJogz8gZUokdvS53KCxuXqCIb6InvdpKGXGQAFgAcWYoAr/s1600/meroxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmf9KV-KEhx0oUEKZ-Y4cfsoRG25tiPa8YZhiNfFDCMjkmQTf_PaJCdQT1BJc8FMm1DbeafDxLx157iFG4HGEI0TAUk96BeqJogz8gZUokdvS53KCxuXqCIb6InvdpKGXGQAFgAcWYoAr/s320/meroxy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My new snuggle buddy, Roxy </span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbw_ihKkMg83I0WSICioPPpiWBqNeumTi542i_AZHtaf53wNaXgfRLMxXdCeA9-STpsTvzcaBbghMO7g1ST95JRakoFHC928oWbvOAnuZri98AYSzknYYPd89D_3FpCdH5xwGIMhx-cFwO/s1600/sara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbw_ihKkMg83I0WSICioPPpiWBqNeumTi542i_AZHtaf53wNaXgfRLMxXdCeA9-STpsTvzcaBbghMO7g1ST95JRakoFHC928oWbvOAnuZri98AYSzknYYPd89D_3FpCdH5xwGIMhx-cFwO/s320/sara.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sara donned the traditional Antlers for weekend gatherings</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct3YLmT9MQnEVe_HuwAHsdrnXJkZGMfYLIoF66zURkkNoT04ss8hFNKJKs8Sa_i45_eoStdRsfvPvG5vaQjMbjh_X0SUUE_-nucfc1LKnfm9ntlK4AT-y-IpX6P0_QH0-v48_etDOrVmC/s1600/heather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct3YLmT9MQnEVe_HuwAHsdrnXJkZGMfYLIoF66zURkkNoT04ss8hFNKJKs8Sa_i45_eoStdRsfvPvG5vaQjMbjh_X0SUUE_-nucfc1LKnfm9ntlK4AT-y-IpX6P0_QH0-v48_etDOrVmC/s320/heather.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> And Heather introduced the ceremonial copper fish...<br />
<br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQyd_drPBM1v9KmlXQcTcb_IsEKzA7can8NnRwc3F6FlXXMgc-UwfE-Pzn65gBfbFh9iagtVE4K15IGfsjvAlG7cDvyuGASx5iQr5Knbf2RNeHiYp5YrH3qsZDGEjBrtk4djX_RJTBHsF/s1600/cookedapplepie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQyd_drPBM1v9KmlXQcTcb_IsEKzA7can8NnRwc3F6FlXXMgc-UwfE-Pzn65gBfbFh9iagtVE4K15IGfsjvAlG7cDvyuGASx5iQr5Knbf2RNeHiYp5YrH3qsZDGEjBrtk4djX_RJTBHsF/s320/cookedapplepie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cake!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtEU2UnwaL2JdLsovz5ujTJtJ3WvFBrFWHp_BJ4NHkAiKdShdq7uxsY56EEyGqSDf_wBtDvw5VXMtJyhaansKRPaR938A88ZKeBI-envc4abVVnvt8B40JeD5sf04GYJ1KEWA1shRJrYc/s1600/roxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtEU2UnwaL2JdLsovz5ujTJtJ3WvFBrFWHp_BJ4NHkAiKdShdq7uxsY56EEyGqSDf_wBtDvw5VXMtJyhaansKRPaR938A88ZKeBI-envc4abVVnvt8B40JeD5sf04GYJ1KEWA1shRJrYc/s320/roxy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beautiful Roxy</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a great day of relaxing and no schedules...which set the tone for the rest of my long weekend.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I very consciously watched TV for practically 2 days straight...instead of just zombie-ing out in front of the tube. I think that, sometimes, there are great gifts to be had from TV. Certain lines are spoken and felt deep. They ring true with what I'm thinking or going through at the moment. And that's a wonderful gift. It was also a great gift to not have any pressing business besides opening the door for my grocery delivery.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Should I admit that I've spent most of the weekend in my pjs, watching <i>Bones</i>, <i>Community</i> and <i>Torchwood</i>...while occasionally drinking red wine and eating peanut butter straight out of the jar? Why not? I also felt bizarre delight from placing my empty dinner plates on the floor and then curling up in my big orange chair to get back to the show. I would have found this lazy and weird at one time...but this weekend I found it freeing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It also kept me from posting this blog "on time." But I suppose it's all part of a long weekend. I took the words "days off" very seriously. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">XO</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-67027871023361267982011-02-04T09:00:00.003-05:002011-02-04T12:17:22.657-05:00Roasted Roots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMvvPBugnsyAIQhkpJEGUekDxEdJYx6h0B3BMPUtxUUh4euOHCEF4i-r3VCfR4xPhi2C6C7YkF02Edg5gb1PwqGAPRTFs_o3pHrrk_DY8pdq6ogELFNcz3o_rGzTKpz1VB_RbeDbwSXCk/s1600/roastedroots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMvvPBugnsyAIQhkpJEGUekDxEdJYx6h0B3BMPUtxUUh4euOHCEF4i-r3VCfR4xPhi2C6C7YkF02Edg5gb1PwqGAPRTFs_o3pHrrk_DY8pdq6ogELFNcz3o_rGzTKpz1VB_RbeDbwSXCk/s320/roastedroots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This began as another Jamie Oliver recipe:<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-at-home/bubble-and-squeak-with-sausages-and-onion-gravy-recipe/index.html"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Bubble and Squeak with Sausages and Onion Gravy</span></b></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And then I ran out of time over the weekend and ended up having to make it on a Monday night after </span><span style="font-size: small;">work. Needless to say I wasn't much in the mood to cook. So instead, I cut up all the veggies the night before (carrots, potatoes, turnip, brussels sprouts) and popped them all in the crockpot before I left for work in the morning. I mixed it all up with olive oil, sea salt, onion powder, pepper and herbs de provence. *On low for 8-10 hours.<br />
<br />
Then, when I got home that night, I had some yummy slow-cooked (roasted) veggies to snack on while I made the rest of the recipe (the sausages and onion gravy). I "cheated" a little bit on that part too...buying a sausage that was already one big spiral...whereas in the recipe you create your own with two different kinds of linked sausage.<br />
<br />
Then I put it all together! And it travels really well for work lunches!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pSAnh3XR9-G3cAmHxRd_O3iYlf4EN3E4jP9Yc_A_UbV92063PK-w56eeUNj7JhjRlbZQT4_0WOu3pnUeI9ahUC_lJYZNOa5qVkECEOYZ3fPwSRV8oCX5bre_tscTzFzjrVCvW7AdXfFL/s1600/sausageroots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pSAnh3XR9-G3cAmHxRd_O3iYlf4EN3E4jP9Yc_A_UbV92063PK-w56eeUNj7JhjRlbZQT4_0WOu3pnUeI9ahUC_lJYZNOa5qVkECEOYZ3fPwSRV8oCX5bre_tscTzFzjrVCvW7AdXfFL/s320/sausageroots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-40229678561324063132011-02-02T15:09:00.001-05:002011-02-02T15:10:12.293-05:00Yellow Flower Tote Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt-GDHiLeNy5x1gUUL9gFX6wuwoZizLKhyphenhyphenqg33U1-k6ZbT01cx8VRmgnfjlRsSPlM_4JEoosvOSXe9tspADSe3hYpg9ocen-Vve_-eG0lxCBRMBcQkfQ_Akp-pmO0MlAZU0fFiRkUf2Nk/s1600/flowerbag_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt-GDHiLeNy5x1gUUL9gFX6wuwoZizLKhyphenhyphenqg33U1-k6ZbT01cx8VRmgnfjlRsSPlM_4JEoosvOSXe9tspADSe3hYpg9ocen-Vve_-eG0lxCBRMBcQkfQ_Akp-pmO0MlAZU0fFiRkUf2Nk/s320/flowerbag_01.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I took this photo while on vacation in St. Thomas back in 2003. What a wonderfully relaxing week that was. Breakfasting on the terrace while a Caribbean shower fell upon the beach and then rum-spiked smoothies with lunch.<br />
<br />
I thought we could all use a dose of the island on this snowy, icy day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37788308/flower-tote-bag">Flower Tote Bag</a>: $12.00<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4cuEKI0-SnGSrWg5vEx9JXGgSan43GePo0yCXX2q2BQ_MSU8FOjOXfVHA2zP_27JgDmgrUEp7-jC-Ul4rNQuacgFtz0JeN1sRNZkSmjSewQxkHMcISI-Q2JBLXdKIj9MybAsoa1gcosK/s1600/flowerbag_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4cuEKI0-SnGSrWg5vEx9JXGgSan43GePo0yCXX2q2BQ_MSU8FOjOXfVHA2zP_27JgDmgrUEp7-jC-Ul4rNQuacgFtz0JeN1sRNZkSmjSewQxkHMcISI-Q2JBLXdKIj9MybAsoa1gcosK/s320/flowerbag_02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-54397837004853119752011-01-31T08:00:00.005-05:002011-01-31T10:22:27.137-05:00Feeling the Fear...and Doing it Anyway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDTZueIOrjuJfFSfuHZnRqMYjIIEvWe5X8Oj6evfVAuGs-xJxp8wjAatGJkzUpmddSFIgD3zKx57AWCtaDn67wuoa4kQnkmZmwwRsdsd3M1CfP3k0WET2R0IjKtM8TWJEiSlNq8h6j8sS/s1600/yogurtfruitkim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDTZueIOrjuJfFSfuHZnRqMYjIIEvWe5X8Oj6evfVAuGs-xJxp8wjAatGJkzUpmddSFIgD3zKx57AWCtaDn67wuoa4kQnkmZmwwRsdsd3M1CfP3k0WET2R0IjKtM8TWJEiSlNq8h6j8sS/s320/yogurtfruitkim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A delicious treat at Kim's</span></div><br />
I have spent the last week or so marveling at how everything has been manifesting. I feel as if I've been swept up by this giant wave of beautiful forward motion and I can't even remember standing on the shore.<br />
<br />
But along with that, has come some uncomfortable feelings because THINGS ARE HAPPENING. And they are things I've been wishing and preparing for.<br />
<br />
Oh. My. Goodness!<br />
<br />
My life is starting to really head in the direction I've been reaching for and it's bringing up the "new job feelings." You know, when you start a new job and you feel all out of whack...not fully grounded because you don't feel all that confident and stable in your new responsibilities yet? That's where I am, partially. The other part thinks it's pretty neat that magic is happening.<br />
<br />
I've been hard at work on a new website and it has been a big learning curve. I'm pretty happy with the way it's coming along and am hoping to launch it around Valentine's Day...awww.<br />
<br />
I've also been trying to experiment with balancing out my quiet time at home i.e. turning off the TV so as not to numb myself down instead of doing healthy things like yoga or meditation. I, of course, still enjoy watching my favorite shows...that won't ever change.<br />
<br />
Another thing I realized I needed this week was to up being social with friends, but on a small scale. So I spent this past weekend over at some friend's apartments! I had a wonderful St. Andrews dinner with Sara on Friday and then crashed at her place. It was like an old-school slumber party. We stayed up late watching stuff on youtube and then spent the morning watching <i>Dr. Who</i> and an Indiana Jones related documentary on The History Channel (while drinking tea and eating toast).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlrVTNeIl-lZz8xtccb2LfCEjwsVbmPrsiSkUtKK-kvWY5DHZpJRpzLUsfnr1m9X3XRYdyBPP97JYAozUGe0ekoiKyXcpqriG6n86FbWQE-sLRYwCCdb2OOH5amvFUu0DQJWe2rqKeHd7/s1600/ducknotservice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlrVTNeIl-lZz8xtccb2LfCEjwsVbmPrsiSkUtKK-kvWY5DHZpJRpzLUsfnr1m9X3XRYdyBPP97JYAozUGe0ekoiKyXcpqriG6n86FbWQE-sLRYwCCdb2OOH5amvFUu0DQJWe2rqKeHd7/s320/ducknotservice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> A funny sight after lunch at the diner, with Sara</span></div><br />
<br />
And yesterday I went to Kim's for lunch, cranberry wine, chat and...tango dancing! Yes! Kim and I tangoed in our socks all around her living room. It was a glorious afternoon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gPDj2a8DWKvhDm1WVRKSuwRsMoHXY06uozaha3UoAx_NnK0efH9gOPtffO1Qh94-jpkmVvZR67ohbqDJf8ksSiq2N0GGy9pMxMmTF0AwtMVGHZ-XlmgtW1Qa4g9lnvgOtPoHicLTtJT9/s1600/breadpotatokim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gPDj2a8DWKvhDm1WVRKSuwRsMoHXY06uozaha3UoAx_NnK0efH9gOPtffO1Qh94-jpkmVvZR67ohbqDJf8ksSiq2N0GGy9pMxMmTF0AwtMVGHZ-XlmgtW1Qa4g9lnvgOtPoHicLTtJT9/s320/breadpotatokim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">SO yummy<br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikKBnKItwktkLbkaUrYXCFTt1vTl5X_b-yHRaS3hnQsWs_-ArcF_Q0ZB_v902r-WQuyPMrSYx1aoTrgJKKykHdwJCugzpaOmk2v8OkRxTda22LIDTxpSCc5FmLRjuA60pjNCifr9NgFm4/s1600/moony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikKBnKItwktkLbkaUrYXCFTt1vTl5X_b-yHRaS3hnQsWs_-ArcF_Q0ZB_v902r-WQuyPMrSYx1aoTrgJKKykHdwJCugzpaOmk2v8OkRxTda22LIDTxpSCc5FmLRjuA60pjNCifr9NgFm4/s320/moony.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Kim's Kitty was very frisky</span></div><br />
<br />
That's what my dreams needed. A little break and friends to feel nourished by. All is well and I will keep pressing forward with all the wonderful changes. Still feeling the fear...but doing it all anyway. And maybe I'll stop for brunch and a dance a little bit more often.<br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-84992898612070292792011-01-28T08:00:00.002-05:002011-01-28T08:00:18.913-05:00Italian Bread & Cabbage Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ik9jvSlIFSY9vI-HF5mH4IjAyDf4BSxxfItGRO87oQhjI8nAH3FgRJ8bAmgsv1dbGfJUd3mexc_bt3W2-eo0KhjwCiYWPnFQ6hi0btw9rzg4yUSX5n1sXx52lUsMRLujmo03JdekCdCF/s1600/breadcabbage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ik9jvSlIFSY9vI-HF5mH4IjAyDf4BSxxfItGRO87oQhjI8nAH3FgRJ8bAmgsv1dbGfJUd3mexc_bt3W2-eo0KhjwCiYWPnFQ6hi0btw9rzg4yUSX5n1sXx52lUsMRLujmo03JdekCdCF/s320/breadcabbage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Dear GOD! This is one of the tastiest things I've ever made and I have the wonderful Jamie Oliver to thank for it.<br />
<br />
I love Jamie Oliver's show "Jamie at Home" which is where I discovered this recipe:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-at-home/italian-bread-and-cabbage-soup-with-sage-butter-recipe/index.html"><b>Italian Bread and Cabbage Soup with Sage Butter </b></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It was part of an episode that addressed winter vegetables! I also, totally covet his outdoor kitchen.<b><br />
</b></span><br />
<br />
Last time I made this soup, I seriously flubbed the amount of cabbage I cooked and made enough to feed an army. I was eating it practically 3 times a day for two weeks.<br />
<br />
(This was also the time I began my love affair with beer...and this dish goes so well with a nice ale. I'm pretty sure I gained about 10 pounds).<br />
<br />
I can imagine myself getting the cabbage, rosemary and sage out of my own garden and putting the piping hot dish in the middle of a big beat up wooden kitchen table...ready for everyone to dig in. It seems meant for a group. But I'll do my best to polish it off all on my own. ;)<br />
<br />
This time around I made it a much more realistic size...with red cabbage & kale. I really like this recipe because you can follow it loosely and it still comes out unbelievably delicious. An easy, hearty winter meal...comfort food to the max.<br />
<br />
And I have to say...even with having a lot of it, I still enjoy the last bowl as much as the first.<br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-30966500695902756832011-01-26T08:00:00.006-05:002011-01-28T18:30:50.828-05:00Sunshine & Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGnH4qlo4ApLUKZkQ76orikGQ-oXQsVwQN-HGSGLtYgByTUbXdsRUa8rVuHpfLEx3oFfqpAHOdzoO2QLjOuLqjzZawuEKG_xuHA1wqiczygEi75m_VMevCtlMPlylTthADWgvyEIdOh24/s1600/sundial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGnH4qlo4ApLUKZkQ76orikGQ-oXQsVwQN-HGSGLtYgByTUbXdsRUa8rVuHpfLEx3oFfqpAHOdzoO2QLjOuLqjzZawuEKG_xuHA1wqiczygEi75m_VMevCtlMPlylTthADWgvyEIdOh24/s400/sundial.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I took this photograph on my first trip to Scotland, back in April 2004.<br />
<br />
Our first stop outside of Edinburgh was Blair Castle and the grounds were so lovely! We even met our first Highland cow...awww.<br />
<br />
I was transfixed with everything I saw and couldn't stop clicking away with my camera. I switched to color film after this and never turned back.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
This is an 8x10 matted (size includes mat) print of a sundial in the rain, Perthshire, Scotland. Mat color is black.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37502474/photo-print-sundial-perthshire-scotland">Scottish Sundial Photo Print</a> - <b style="color: #cc0000;">SOLD</b><br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-83681748669433633872011-01-24T08:00:00.002-05:002011-01-24T10:40:06.501-05:00Clouds and Rainbows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQaK5eL_2_Te53Z5c0GjVX7Q0dokraUBHKia1MmgzZcwDfv9vuC5t_wnVKwqIxhn-Xr2XI6SDXfAXgpcOFu5LQbM0Qc7PnznzZNZijKO64cWlmToGU8UwaXrKJHKyhA7xeIwV-MTOXRDu/s1600/rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQaK5eL_2_Te53Z5c0GjVX7Q0dokraUBHKia1MmgzZcwDfv9vuC5t_wnVKwqIxhn-Xr2XI6SDXfAXgpcOFu5LQbM0Qc7PnznzZNZijKO64cWlmToGU8UwaXrKJHKyhA7xeIwV-MTOXRDu/s320/rainbow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I was watching <i>Master Class</i> with Maya Angelou on Oprah's new network (OWN) last weekend and became inspired! This woman is phenomenal indeed. I had my journal next to me throughout the entire program. <br />
<br />
She said that she always says "yes" to doing good/interesting things...and then will do the background work required to get the work done...in other words, she takes opportunities and chances. She moves forward.<br />
<br />
Inspiring!<br />
<br />
I'm hoping that I can be a good example and practice what I preach here (Maya also said that you need to live what you teach to others...something I heartily agree with).<br />
<br />
She also said something to the effect of, "we are all human, therefore nothing human is alien to us".<br />
<br />
There is dark and light in all of us. We are capable of both so we shouldn't look down on others for their "failings." Including ourselves! It all comes down to choices. We can reach beyond what we think we are capable of.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">*** </div><br />
It has come to my attention that I need to work a wee bit harder at creating and recognizing that there is sacred space wherever I am in the present. It might make my final time in New York a little easier. After all, I'll be taking me and that space with me wherever I go in the future. <br />
<br />
So, I'm working hard at creating goodness where I am and looking forward to saying "yes" first when amazing opportunities come up in the future (and then figuring out "how"). I'm also trying not to be too hard on myself for going off track. I'm marvelously human...I can't help it sometimes.<br />
<br />
Some wonderful quotes from Maya Angelou's <i>Master Class</i>:<br />
<br />
<br />
"Prepare yourself to be a rainbow in someone's clouds..."<br />
<br />
<br />
"Love liberates...it doesn't bind."<br />
<br />
<br />
I love the idea of being a rainbow.<br />
<br />
XO<br />
<br />
P.S. I found a link to the show online!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/i9bwAfwuYyg/">http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/i9bwAfwuYyg/</a>The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-88115118740894341992011-01-21T08:00:00.002-05:002011-01-21T09:30:02.520-05:00Seafood Soup Improv<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjo5grjs-k6YdccKpzHyXJN5CNHclWEKuClewPXif-urYFvuk2dPi20XrTLwiRvYcu0HOyyxTEiyn2TMklTorSjNAwqhzvJHw63jYP1oHO6u_8Q1F4RPWARgeIWheUxlA9kG6kTvDBNsSf/s1600/fishsoup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjo5grjs-k6YdccKpzHyXJN5CNHclWEKuClewPXif-urYFvuk2dPi20XrTLwiRvYcu0HOyyxTEiyn2TMklTorSjNAwqhzvJHw63jYP1oHO6u_8Q1F4RPWARgeIWheUxlA9kG6kTvDBNsSf/s320/fishsoup2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I was reminded, last week, about how important it is to eat fatty fish...like salmon. Something my diet had been lacking. So to remedy that, I decided to make some sort of fish soup using easy ingredients.<br />
<br />
<br />
Fresh Direct is fantastic in that you can buy pre cut this and that (I'm sure this is true for a lot of grocery stores). This time, I took advantage of the package of <a href="http://www.freshdirect.com/product.jsp?catId=veg_rtc_rdyveg&productId=veg_fd_soupgreens&trk=srch&trkd=relv&rank=2">Soup Greens</a> and <a href="http://www.freshdirect.com/product.jsp?catId=rtc_fish_kab&productId=ffss_fshchnks&trk=srch&trkd=fave&rank=1">Fish Cubes</a> (I love using the fish cubes to make soup).<br />
<br />
You still have to do a little bit of chopping, but it's minimal.<br />
<br />
Last year I made a different, but still very much improvised, <a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2009/04/like-good-new-england-girl.html">seafood soup</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwSOnwWBAa7_OyJJBvfoRg-axx5j-Y9w8AU59MJaXhbNQIxjFd6qz8OcOmLu9RkaGHtrS_y_QS_c8_q1UmIf4QRN1LbwfMyhuG7RhjyPOjFBuU3-c9jPfN1zluchIR0l52PjgFjhM9qO8/s1600/soupveggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwSOnwWBAa7_OyJJBvfoRg-axx5j-Y9w8AU59MJaXhbNQIxjFd6qz8OcOmLu9RkaGHtrS_y_QS_c8_q1UmIf4QRN1LbwfMyhuG7RhjyPOjFBuU3-c9jPfN1zluchIR0l52PjgFjhM9qO8/s320/soupveggies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Everything I, basically, needed</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's what I used:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Package Soup Greens (onion, red potato, turnip, parsnip, carrot, celery, parsley...) cut into cubes</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Package Fish Cubes (in this case it was a mix of salmon and tuna, I think)</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 32 oz. Cartons of organic vegetable stock</div><div style="text-align: left;">Garlic Croutons</div><div style="text-align: left;">A couple handfuls of frozen spinach</div><div style="text-align: left;">1-2 cloves of garlic, minced</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chili Powder</div><div style="text-align: left;">Salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 tsp Powdered Kelp *optional*</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I cooked the onion in some olive oil until they began to soften (about 5 minutes) and added garlic, salt and chili powder, sauteed for another 2 min. Then I added the rest of the cubed veggies.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next I added the stock and brought it all to a boil and then let simmer for about 20 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I added the fish. Let simmer for another 5 minutes...and added the spinach. Simmer, Simmer Simmer!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the end, I believe I added some ground lemon peel and the kelp for an added boost of nutrition.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Garnish with the garlic croutons...YUMMY!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">XO</div>The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-41334266467800418962011-01-17T08:30:00.008-05:002011-01-17T09:06:37.384-05:00I'm a Winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7i0xAPLDeaNEyHz6SROqq54GvEM2HvTg28ZmGmQqW7wJGdy8KIB6gz-LuTcIhW6T_6-7f_c0wjzztxXwx3Cah0kQ6xmmAj9QasNy78u2ejKURcM89XDm6mPDpG73rhQjFCdFx_cxklJi/s1600/ionaboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7i0xAPLDeaNEyHz6SROqq54GvEM2HvTg28ZmGmQqW7wJGdy8KIB6gz-LuTcIhW6T_6-7f_c0wjzztxXwx3Cah0kQ6xmmAj9QasNy78u2ejKURcM89XDm6mPDpG73rhQjFCdFx_cxklJi/s320/ionaboat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've been planning and working on my next trip to Scotland, and one of the elements of this plan is a workshop I'm taking on Iona. This time, scholarships were available and I applied.<br />
<br />
I don't usually expect to win stuff. For as long as I can remember...winning has been a rare occurrence. I lost in the housing lottery at FIT two years and had to live off campus as one example.<br />
<br />
I <i>did</i> win a giant bunny-rabbit in a church raffle back in High School, but that was because my dearly departed Dad bought most of the tickets (I think he wanted it more than me)!<br />
<br />
Skip to the present...and I have been awarded one of the Iona scholarships!!! <br />
<br />
I know it's because that God and The Universe help us out when we are headed down the right path, following our dreams instead of simple prizes. Who knows, maybe my Dad bought most of the tickets again...<br />
<br />
This is a wonderful piece for the dream puzzle because I am still in the paying down debt and saving money phase of my Creative Dream journey. <br />
<br />
So I'm off to Scotland in a little over 2 months. I have my plane ticket and the very appreciated scholarship already in my possession...next up train tickets to Oban etc. I wonder if it's too soon to start packing?<br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-85838471153875590192011-01-14T08:00:00.001-05:002011-01-14T08:00:01.153-05:00Mac & Cheese Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlqmV_LAfy9Oe4EfZeScKz-ttlXlu_H4zqGaUEtwnpHlze36lsTxF6UhnULdhToQlXf_bkxpB9QUGw5xQFXUwxxkOZyl04vB9K_j2MOMHQxqYwzKeU40FTJhSkyh05HuELlJrmLCPnKe0/s1600/maccheesesoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlqmV_LAfy9Oe4EfZeScKz-ttlXlu_H4zqGaUEtwnpHlze36lsTxF6UhnULdhToQlXf_bkxpB9QUGw5xQFXUwxxkOZyl04vB9K_j2MOMHQxqYwzKeU40FTJhSkyh05HuELlJrmLCPnKe0/s320/maccheesesoup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I love using the ampersand...I really do.<br />
<br />
So, Mac <b>&</b> Cheese soup, y'all!<br />
<br />
I was inspired when my friend and co-worker Glen brought in some that his wife had made. I immediately looked up some recipes and then promptly ditched them to do it my way.<br />
<br />
Mostly because I couldn't find the cheese soup on Fresh Direct...and because I was a little afraid of the contents.<br />
<br />
So...call me "Sandra Lee" this week because this uses all boxed, canned and frozen items...I am still decompressing from the holidays, it seems.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">*** </div><br />
I bought 2 boxes of organic mac and cheese and a bag of frozen veggies (broccoli, carrots and cauliflower).<br />
<br />
I cooked the pasta until it was al dente...then added the butter and cheese mix and veggies.<br />
<br />
THEN, I was going to add a can of organic cream of mushroom soup but felt it was too little soup and instead opted for the carton of cream of broccoli I had and let it all simmer for about 20-30 minutes (until the veggies were cooked).<br />
<br />
In the end, I added a little cayenne and water to thin out the soup until I was happy :)<br />
<br />
It was quick, cheap and... <br />
<br />
YUM!<br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-23293469364372894792011-01-12T08:00:00.002-05:002011-09-15T16:33:07.096-04:00Teardrops and Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0GWx7SP04Qilm8J5BnAUP9AZeFTgCDSUk_Fx4OdTPJjyySVh1tq2hO4Dr0V1AYaVii5FKqjGia9v5y9zi5Cc9kPE6nKSUQjKDfXyn8gAMB3M_y2jBFsken3MVBmExOkXjUIfcqPb7rjM/s1600/tearsdish_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0GWx7SP04Qilm8J5BnAUP9AZeFTgCDSUk_Fx4OdTPJjyySVh1tq2hO4Dr0V1AYaVii5FKqjGia9v5y9zi5Cc9kPE6nKSUQjKDfXyn8gAMB3M_y2jBFsken3MVBmExOkXjUIfcqPb7rjM/s320/tearsdish_04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Terracotta dish: 5x5"</span></div><br />
One day, years ago, I felt like painting something. I took an ad containing a photo of a woman looking up and turned her into my model. The rest was pure imagination.<br />
<br />
It's the only painting of mine that I still have hanging on my wall and it's very indicative of my mood at the time. I've cropped it and applied it to various creations...including this dish:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_yoOLNRdhAwdwFmE6YY1tRPV85jdW_-0O7O0YhCPQpreuiyYfERajKaIGCtgtM49aS3CQ-_-rjgy5jwyaCpR5GAytY0RHKAny-llhyq-pv4JIe_qTt0PFi979cjhomZt5i_AK7l55G20/s1600/tearsdish_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_yoOLNRdhAwdwFmE6YY1tRPV85jdW_-0O7O0YhCPQpreuiyYfERajKaIGCtgtM49aS3CQ-_-rjgy5jwyaCpR5GAytY0RHKAny-llhyq-pv4JIe_qTt0PFi979cjhomZt5i_AK7l55G20/s320/tearsdish_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The painting inspired the following poem, which I included on the finished dish:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ghostly ocean eyes</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>drizzle blue sleet</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>over a chilled face</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>waiting for fire</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">--Lee Ann Monat </span><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love looking at this now because I feel as if I've finally found my fire.</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65749411/teardrops-and-fire-dish">Teardrops and Fire Dish</a> - $25.00The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-76542171375134922622011-01-10T00:25:00.002-05:002011-01-10T00:27:28.962-05:00New Year, New View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7OD68b7wTkRAI5MYWuhRaCClqEk951rHFKqeSaM6_VCll95F9mDGTkK-8xqjHe0najfIl7OUAcO1AsNvVEc6Ohz0ALjyejVnS5rSOMW7JeBONDBY1qCDP1_ra54Mh4nySvTZLusyvxxm/s1600/bbchili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7OD68b7wTkRAI5MYWuhRaCClqEk951rHFKqeSaM6_VCll95F9mDGTkK-8xqjHe0najfIl7OUAcO1AsNvVEc6Ohz0ALjyejVnS5rSOMW7JeBONDBY1qCDP1_ra54Mh4nySvTZLusyvxxm/s320/bbchili.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Finished Chili</span></div><br />
I am sitting here on a quiet Sunday afternoon with some <a href="http://dishingwithdish.blogspot.com/2009/10/black-bean-pumpkin-and-turkey-chili.html">turkey chili</a> cooking away, music playing, laundry waiting to be sorted...and yes, a messy apartment. However, I don't feel as tied to the physical place as I once did. Yes, I have bills and rent etc. but that is just in the meantime. I'm moving toward something new and better (for me).<br />
<br />
I stayed in this weekend because I've been so busy and it's nice to <i>not</i> have to be anywhere for a change...but also because I don't want to go outside. I don't want to immerse myself in the energy of this city when I don't have to. More and more signs that it's time to move on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMk_IwqqaIcwpnL76SD1BN0pIwAWZ5ydSkf8JD94MvVCdUrxi4FdW8kOxwK0gy4Xj4qsm3a563G-bLRaLYwEzO7qaokT4PgtS4U7LhxDq4Z9J5dhJuTU-8XzKgPyTxRuyArcd0dtPBDAX/s1600/plantain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMk_IwqqaIcwpnL76SD1BN0pIwAWZ5ydSkf8JD94MvVCdUrxi4FdW8kOxwK0gy4Xj4qsm3a563G-bLRaLYwEzO7qaokT4PgtS4U7LhxDq4Z9J5dhJuTU-8XzKgPyTxRuyArcd0dtPBDAX/s320/plantain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fried plantains on the side</span></div><br />
I remember feeling sort of out of control a year ago. Not quite knowing where I could go, but knowing that I needed to get out of here and that was a scary place to be. The "hows" were overwhelming. I still don't know "how" but I'm choosing to trust that as all the shackles keep falling away the path will be made clear.<br />
<br />
I continue to learn about myself and how to be easier on me. For example, no New Year's resolutions.<br />
<br />
New Years used to come around and I would feel depressed if nothing seemed to have changed from the previous year. That probably had something to do with the fact that, in essence, I was standing still/spinning my wheels. I realize, now, that when I don't know which way to go...if I stand still a little while (and listen) eventually the winds will blow me in the right direction. It's the listening that makes all the difference...and embracing the changes. Before I used to rail against them.<br />
<br />
I actually submitted a little piece to <a href="http://beekman1802.com/1802-blogs/resolution-solutions.html">The Fabulous Beekman Boy's blog</a> about my take on New Year's resolutions. It didn't get picked up, but so many people seemed to think the same things I did! And rather than be disappointed in not making their blog...well, hey, I have my own!!! <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #b45f06;">New Year’s resolutions...I’ve never found many pros in doing this. I used to frantically put my list together when a new year began. I thought of it as a big do-over for my life but would inevitably fail and then feel badly about myself. <br />
<br />
In recent years I’ve found my path through healthy eating, cooking, herbal medicine and practicing radical self-love and acceptance. Resolutions simply feel negative and all self-judgey...which I can't stand!<br />
<br />
Maybe some people do well with forcing rules on themselves for some structure but I’ve never gotten any results from being militant over anything. In fact, my willfulness comes out in full force when I do and I end up rebelling...and it feels sort of ridiculous to rebel against myself! Maybe it’s the artist in me but I need to have freedom, fun, and an attitude of “YES” in order to thrive. <br />
<br />
So I’ve resolved not to make resolutions anymore (unless they are to keep living a healthy, happy life). I’m not sure why we feel we have to always put limits on ourselves which can weigh us down. Through committing to constantly learn, be healthy, laugh, create beauty, and be true to my dreams and authentic self I am able to move forward instead of being stuck in the loop of the yearly do-over. It is so much more liberating than putting on those old shackles that the new year used to bring and certainly makes me happy.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">XO</span></div><br />
I think the biggest difference this year is the calmness surrounding the dreams. That's new and interesting for me to experience. I have no doubt that there will be difficulties ahead, but at least I feel as if I'm on the right track. I'm taking baby steps towards change...starting with a new website/blog. I picked a new template and that feels so good! Things are moving forward. :)The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-31594971007365380072011-01-07T08:00:00.007-05:002011-01-07T09:13:02.498-05:00Getting Back into the Kitchen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9G3RkyKqR21AIEUtsDOhmElv_2DQ24hH4EZTcXRESMwsZO0xJshqIJmMyz69jbR70HpL7tK5KxzY8rhfB1T4wZTbMBc6cuuOUof1R5kht6CWlW95Jju268bo3-VXcriQDydmslrotExD-/s1600/cans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9G3RkyKqR21AIEUtsDOhmElv_2DQ24hH4EZTcXRESMwsZO0xJshqIJmMyz69jbR70HpL7tK5KxzY8rhfB1T4wZTbMBc6cuuOUof1R5kht6CWlW95Jju268bo3-VXcriQDydmslrotExD-/s320/cans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I spent New Year's Eve weekend in flux. Partially relaxing, and slowly getting my butt back into the kitchen! All the while, singing my heart out along with my iPod.<br />
<br />
I admit...I've been eating out of cans and boxes for the past week. Before that I was emptying my wallet buying lunch in the city every day and dinner on the way home. I confess, I even ate crackers and cheese for breakfast a few mornings (I basically ate my weight in cheese and chocolate due to all the free food in the office before and between the holidays). I was simply too tired to cook...and too busy finishing up my holiday gifts...so I thought I'd give myself a break. This blog slid off as well...hence the disorganized posts this week. But I'm slowly getting back in gear!<br />
<br />
Back to New Year's weekend...<br />
<br />
I alternately drank wine, made yogurt and cooked all the leftover food in my fridge. I made <a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/sweet-potato-gratin-with-coconut-milk-and-chipotle-chile.html">Sweet Potato Gratin With Coconut Milk and Chipotle Chile</a>:<a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/sweet-potato-gratin-with-coconut-milk-and-chipotle-chile.html#ixzz1ACw1Z5aM" style="color: #003399;"></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8tXml94Dh66wanPQ93uHWZh5_vfHq7IRxpMEugFVC3opA73gRE43V7V0w78vQPqizctXKxQi3h4tr0f4BAGjF81fpH3-1e8dn3UuGL1r63RHDkhcvfqMcVkOFtFaRYzqXknLBsPfTSMi/s1600/limesweetpot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8tXml94Dh66wanPQ93uHWZh5_vfHq7IRxpMEugFVC3opA73gRE43V7V0w78vQPqizctXKxQi3h4tr0f4BAGjF81fpH3-1e8dn3UuGL1r63RHDkhcvfqMcVkOFtFaRYzqXknLBsPfTSMi/s320/limesweetpot1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Before</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0BybTMoG-QLGkyknTYa2cr1S4DB267BApBrSnGI0IXp9eQoVqd93sZYTKVEZR94_iLaTzEz4rQhZwQaXJsj-0P-hA4zoleBFAUWywa37Dc3e9OlErYsmTFaQAuAFFIXv03FO0GPvT3Of/s1600/limesweetpot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0BybTMoG-QLGkyknTYa2cr1S4DB267BApBrSnGI0IXp9eQoVqd93sZYTKVEZR94_iLaTzEz4rQhZwQaXJsj-0P-hA4zoleBFAUWywa37Dc3e9OlErYsmTFaQAuAFFIXv03FO0GPvT3Of/s320/limesweetpot2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After</span></div><br />
I turned some frozen brussels sprouts and canned beets into a lemon-thyme infused treat:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p3DwXez5w_GwtGrAi-XXge-k3FBsdbDgABIpltEvKQclHlBZDfHIGPvsABbiHFtXxFsIELVpijXlQPmLEopn_1rWgQ9HhcccbBqxqzQbZCgEuTEztfEN21vwZtFXVUgckDyKsYhgncCd/s1600/beets_sprouts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p3DwXez5w_GwtGrAi-XXge-k3FBsdbDgABIpltEvKQclHlBZDfHIGPvsABbiHFtXxFsIELVpijXlQPmLEopn_1rWgQ9HhcccbBqxqzQbZCgEuTEztfEN21vwZtFXVUgckDyKsYhgncCd/s320/beets_sprouts1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Before, Beautiful!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS5tVkvz9pzH7e_yhkz-Eq3FtGZRj_Mam-eJYBQMG2xPe6QZzU3dBAiusDfxcc-dZz70nagDJnNNaHECa4YlNWUjtwUkuuZPaEuje2jOHxc1ZED7DJu7_fJ9iMZ0GGrwvKfU7-e0R5aB-/s1600/beets_sprouts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS5tVkvz9pzH7e_yhkz-Eq3FtGZRj_Mam-eJYBQMG2xPe6QZzU3dBAiusDfxcc-dZz70nagDJnNNaHECa4YlNWUjtwUkuuZPaEuje2jOHxc1ZED7DJu7_fJ9iMZ0GGrwvKfU7-e0R5aB-/s320/beets_sprouts2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">After, delicious!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A little egg with my collard greens? Yes, Please!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSd_4z-T0fh2TRbWS14X1pAiskrN5J7kZlxSzZvUaG1dSceXvxzZZvt9pIpBGLCfVn6-WTd11emLQhBDoSGuLA_sZ_80dqkofkDz6k1ErDIN5a839Xat554320YRbkmFf-bqnKFQhHl4mX/s1600/collardegg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSd_4z-T0fh2TRbWS14X1pAiskrN5J7kZlxSzZvUaG1dSceXvxzZZvt9pIpBGLCfVn6-WTd11emLQhBDoSGuLA_sZ_80dqkofkDz6k1ErDIN5a839Xat554320YRbkmFf-bqnKFQhHl4mX/s320/collardegg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I had some with dinner, and then used the rest in savory oatmeal for two mornings...<br />
<br />
I have high hopes for this weekend since I'll be in again...fingers crossed that the predicted snow won't keep my Fresh Direct order from arriving like last time!<br />
<br />
XO</div>The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-6894067636394150072011-01-06T08:00:00.006-05:002011-01-06T20:59:29.780-05:00My New, Plaid Kicks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRF1L3CGFTLFCWCFU1uX9FsVFixMRbREqrHzNC7pcRuY8Gl9xY92f0-D7t7tVywtUw6IKXIGWhBLIrsmY4Bi9NTwa1bJ4fhpjRVy42tvoADTqvw66GyEJZ78zBwkCghILpFIehmiMQtGg/s1600/kicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRF1L3CGFTLFCWCFU1uX9FsVFixMRbREqrHzNC7pcRuY8Gl9xY92f0-D7t7tVywtUw6IKXIGWhBLIrsmY4Bi9NTwa1bJ4fhpjRVy42tvoADTqvw66GyEJZ78zBwkCghILpFIehmiMQtGg/s320/kicks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My dorkdom is now complete. One of the side effects of all this <i>Doctor Who</i> watching is that it has inspired me to buy a pair of high top Converse All-Stars (for all the non-<i>Who</i> fans out there...the 10th Doctor [David Tennant] wears them).<br />
<br />
I used to have a knock-off pair when I was in Junior High/High School and loved them but then didn't think they were "me" anymore.<br />
<br />
Well, I ask you...what could be more me now??? :)<br />
<br />
Through exploring and experimenting with my wardrobe (<a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2010/11/dress-for-success.html">Dress for Success</a>) this past year, I've found that I like adding touches of whimsy to my closet...and these sneakers certainly fit the bill. <br />
<br />
Yes...they would be better if they were, in fact, attached to David Tennant...but otherwise, I'm enjoying them immensely.<br />
<br />
XO <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNBSL_aCCfVZ4fj5jmMSiPur23d5nbZ5AyMGrud8lV7qOX7bPTPm8EF0sIquKHihNz6nKAd41z_dyr1ogeOHswH4dwG6FEhBKu258M1gv4vkKnx9b1onGjTI-37mBNLJv3S91gk4kmesQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNBSL_aCCfVZ4fj5jmMSiPur23d5nbZ5AyMGrud8lV7qOX7bPTPm8EF0sIquKHihNz6nKAd41z_dyr1ogeOHswH4dwG6FEhBKu258M1gv4vkKnx9b1onGjTI-37mBNLJv3S91gk4kmesQ/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And I got them on CRAZY sale! Yay!The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-74083647193785612032011-01-05T08:00:00.001-05:002011-01-05T08:54:35.158-05:00Be a Creative Dreamer!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFkNFa1rir9O6MV3svwZHVabAjMX2PctS7QL5O5-pMEwEpAESMdrtdakntlQflqTiMRkcYvWdLvylZxkRmcRknFqFrg1YGAlwVgmJMwpR8pj6TDFmhpvYfFTmyFM9m1OPHijrmgegcD9B/s1600/meinmirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFkNFa1rir9O6MV3svwZHVabAjMX2PctS7QL5O5-pMEwEpAESMdrtdakntlQflqTiMRkcYvWdLvylZxkRmcRknFqFrg1YGAlwVgmJMwpR8pj6TDFmhpvYfFTmyFM9m1OPHijrmgegcD9B/s320/meinmirror.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am delighted to be using this week's featured product segment to promote my wonderful creative coach Andrea! She is the amazing woman who runs the Creative Dreaming online workshop that I've been participating in. 2010 was fabulous and 2011 will be even more purposeful and exciting!<br />
<br />
Andrea and I "met" on an online forum inspired by SARK years ago. It's been a delight seeing her grow as a person as well as a creative dreamer (and doer)! She's very inspiring and grounding...sharing her journey as well as others'...and encouraging everyone to live their dreams.<br />
<br />
She has been featuring an interview series on her blog about people who have stepped out of their day jobs and into their creative businesses...and now she has <a href="http://www.abccreativity.com/2011/01/05/abccreativity-interview-series-stepping-out-of-your-day-job-and-into-your-creative-dream-2/">added herself to that list</a>! Congrats, Andrea! I had the pleasure of asking her a few questions yesterday:<b> </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk-hIo1hJAy8Cl8-0gkXMWdlz2Kp3bM8GvNyP1I4U8PulBDMa334wwCLplI3KOslHDYNrqMPMGegGjJFX-s_7rwh_zx5QOdZ_m_bbUxMH8o_V530Vzl6uAbkODOQ-23BGvcfeP19ND0Yp/s1600/andreapink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk-hIo1hJAy8Cl8-0gkXMWdlz2Kp3bM8GvNyP1I4U8PulBDMa334wwCLplI3KOslHDYNrqMPMGegGjJFX-s_7rwh_zx5QOdZ_m_bbUxMH8o_V530Vzl6uAbkODOQ-23BGvcfeP19ND0Yp/s1600/andreapink.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>What prompted you to go into this line of work?</b><br />
<br />
My whole adult life, I have had a strong desire to earn my living with my creativity. I explored and experimented with a lot of different paths to figure out how to do that. My 20s were spent exploring my creative potential as an artist, and exploring my creative potential as a spiritual being, via creative visualisation, positive affirmations and healing work. The more I explored, the more I found these two things are the same thing. How I create a painting or a meal or a sweater is the same way that I create everything in my life.<br />
<br />
So then I started studying spirituality more intently, taking classes and becoming accredited as a teacher/mentor/healer. I started to create my own classes and workshops to teach and lead healing meditation circles. I wasn't think of it as a job at that point, I was doing it because I loved it. And mostly because I so loved the freedom of discovering that I can create anything I want in my life - that I wanted to share it with anyone and everyone who would listen. <br />
<br />
And so my workshops grew and grew and I started to realise that I would be more useful in the world, and I would enjoy my life a whole lot more, if I didn't have a job and could focus on this work all the time. So I made my plan to do just that.<br />
<br />
<b> How has pursuing helping others helped you?</b><br />
<br />
Helping others keeps me on track. If I am going to tell you that you can live your dreams then I better be doing everything I can to live more or else I am a hypocrite - so it is really important to be to live what I teach. <br />
<br />
Helping others really is the fastest way to help yourself. It is a spiritual law that we receive what we give. The more I am helping others to make their dreams come true, the easier it becomes for me to make my dreams come true.<br />
<br />
<b>What did you do on your first day of self employment?</b><br />
<br />
I stayed in my PJs all day, lol! Mostly, I did a lot of writing - blog posts for my blog, guest posts for other blogs, and preparations for my January coaching special. I did some art - I have a few paper doll soul portrait commissions I am working on. And I spent some time with a few new projects. Also I spent a surprising (to me!) amount of time answering email.<br />
<br />
I also started cleaning out my closets and moving some furniture around to make my home more appropriate as a full time work place. And I kept giggling and smiling about how good it feels to be here. Finally. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
<br />
I have become an affiliate for some of her wonderful kits...and she has an amazing special offer happening right now:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWZtZ6QP_sYebjLZzcYm99dS3zJ_QxIlYWX838u-_QuiCCAZuuKV_7xlgUJ_681ybpOCL3jkIfsCS71aIZ86emmq2Yp_vmcb9L8449Ey0_0t-39z6aSMnB0OiNekMZfrPtU9oXe9Q4njh/s320/creativitykit.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<br />
<br />
"<b>How will you fill your 2011 with dreams come true?</b> <br />
<div style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 140%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_748174462"><br />
</a></div>I like to create a new map to my dreams for each year. This helps me to narrow in on what I really want and to develop a plan for how I am going to get there. It helps me gather my strengths and gifts and build bridges that lead me over the obstacles in my way.<br />
<br />
Create a Map that Leads to your Dream Come True is a creativity kit that helps you create a map to your dreams and tap into your amazing potential to make your dreams real through meditation, visioning, creativity, intuition and positive affirmations." --<i>Andrea Schroeder, ABCcreativity</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Special:<span style="font-size: small;"> Create A Map Kit with Coaching for $100</span><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=867437&c=ib&aff=142933&cl=90335" target="ejejcsingle"><br />
<br />
Click here to view more details</a></b><br />
<br />
<i>I did a creative coaching session with Andrea over the summer and came away totally refreshed and excited to move forward with my dreams! I highly recommend it. </i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>*** </i><b> </b></div><br />
<b>She also offers wonderful kits designed to help you along in your dream journey:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBkEvuKKsVZ8CHK2Nabd23HEOgghnxkf59PHTgnwLD1DfyfaGUKD2nFAaCqozm8G8NF3opWnSEbit8nPdvp8Dt2FNseSLHrNU9y_kVZJrcVdvoW5Q7b7O24xgkCNFUEUfdfPyfpJGHMhA/s1600/createamap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBkEvuKKsVZ8CHK2Nabd23HEOgghnxkf59PHTgnwLD1DfyfaGUKD2nFAaCqozm8G8NF3opWnSEbit8nPdvp8Dt2FNseSLHrNU9y_kVZJrcVdvoW5Q7b7O24xgkCNFUEUfdfPyfpJGHMhA/s320/createamap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=777067&c=ib&aff=142933&cl=90335">click here for more info</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6h8jhEBSds1t-S41YViXzE2Cczp-D-js0KG0lbNoy5CwGBJK3Ckmwb95ft7uEVdHPN9b-M9nXM_1hNYQEyzbgsVEh7kEUDdizetmAx2nBRwUZM_p7n1hSzKm7Y1Bwj76V2dTpX_WXWx9/s1600/swwredmeditation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6h8jhEBSds1t-S41YViXzE2Cczp-D-js0KG0lbNoy5CwGBJK3Ckmwb95ft7uEVdHPN9b-M9nXM_1hNYQEyzbgsVEh7kEUDdizetmAx2nBRwUZM_p7n1hSzKm7Y1Bwj76V2dTpX_WXWx9/s320/swwredmeditation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=777067&c=ib&aff=142933&cl=90335">click here for more info</a><br />
</b></div><br />
<br />
I really can't say enough good things about Andrea and <a href="http://www.abccreativity.com/">ABCcreativity</a>. Her site offers a wide range of creative tools to aid us in our dreamy pursuits. She is a wonderful ally and support system...she simply sparkles!<br />
<br />
XO<br />
<br />
*All images used, with permission, from <a href="http://abccreativity.com/">ABCcreativity.com</a>The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-5857642675595465902011-01-01T18:15:00.005-05:002011-01-07T16:33:52.444-05:00Happy Creative New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiWEi0itAYS4l9OZEqTIi2XbqfrRekQYZVoygw4grLc7xeOCbYFdxtqWc9We3jldj-QGKTymRaDhOKzvrxpwz9vEMU2WZARI4OKeTtVtRy6tm_PuN19XdgARqGWvWKt6hJIxT05Ast0wf/s1600/newyearsday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiWEi0itAYS4l9OZEqTIi2XbqfrRekQYZVoygw4grLc7xeOCbYFdxtqWc9We3jldj-QGKTymRaDhOKzvrxpwz9vEMU2WZARI4OKeTtVtRy6tm_PuN19XdgARqGWvWKt6hJIxT05Ast0wf/s320/newyearsday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Happy New Year, Everyone!<br />
<br />
I wanted to put up the first blog of the new year, on the first day of the new year...and like 2010, it's another <a href="http://www.abccreativity.com/2010/12/31/creating-dreams-come-true-happy-new-dream-year/">Creative Dreaming</a> year! Woohoo!<br />
<br />
I'm writing this in the midst of drinking some apple-peach wine, knitting and watching a <i>Who Year's Marathon</i> on BBC America. :D<br />
<br />
The first assignment of 2011 is to assess what seems possible right now.<br />
<br />
A lot feels possible right now. If I look at <a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2010/01/creative-dreaming_03.html">the list</a> I made at the start of last year...well, there's certainly a lot I still haven't done...but to be fair there are 100 items on it. I could spend the rest of my life working to attain them all. And oh, what a life that will be! :)<br />
<br />
At this moment, the most possible thing seems to be moving out of New York City. So many things have been attributing to this: my noisy upstairs neighbor...the rising costs of living in this already expensive city...my increasing savings and decreasing debt (it's gotten to a very un-stifling level which has also resulted in me treating myself to various post holiday gifts!) and most of all...the fact that I am not a New Yorker. I'm not sure I ever was one, but I'm certainly not one now. I want a better life and one in which I'm thriving and loving what I do. Not just making due. I want to <i>live</i>, not simply exist.<br />
<br />
So, in that spirit...I've started the New Year quietly at home in my own space rather than in the city or in someone else's house. It was the first New Year's Eve that I've spent by myself in YEARS. At first I was a bit depressed by this fact but after spending the whole of New Year's Eve Day with my Sister and her family, I had to get back to Queens...and that trip on the Subway is always a huge reminder of how much I don't want to live here anymore. It's not my city.<br />
<br />
I'm entering into another hibernation phase before beginning my last year of apprenticeship, another amazing trip to Scotland (the 3rd on my own) and if I'm lucky, the final year of paying off credit card debt (my student loan is another matter all together). During this time I hope to get my website in better working order and continue pursuing ways of making <i>LionArt Creations</i> and <i>The Lion's Share</i> a wonder-full source of income. Also, in February I'll be taking an open hearth cooking class at <a href="http://www.mysticseaport.org/">Mystic Seaport</a> with my Mom!<br />
<br />
I hope to keep developing all of my hearth-tending skills. It's when I'm happiest. Then I feel like my opportunities to move out of this city and on to where I'll feel more at home will open up. Here's to tying up loose ends and living our creative dreams!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So happy New Year everyone! I'm going to sign off and get back to <i>Doctor Who</i>, wine, knitting and trying to ignore my upstairs neighbor, who seems to be repeatedly dropping loud objects on his supposedly carpeted floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20r-qu1cWmKergVXprVfkum_ybLfkYEofqkT510-1qiaxQIy5ZXNMvkZkmAy4mfcCs7HWsBhqgkhx5MFYfsftWxWvFA4oPd4_TMJl-KjQVzd4Rdq5xE5O4eVyX8Y8AGTd8dIgX6OOWVqq/s1600/newyearsknitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20r-qu1cWmKergVXprVfkum_ybLfkYEofqkT510-1qiaxQIy5ZXNMvkZkmAy4mfcCs7HWsBhqgkhx5MFYfsftWxWvFA4oPd4_TMJl-KjQVzd4Rdq5xE5O4eVyX8Y8AGTd8dIgX6OOWVqq/s320/newyearsknitting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-63786705105915084942010-12-29T09:07:00.002-05:002011-01-01T18:17:59.527-05:00Through the Wall, Pompeii<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEekV-yBRpl63-KLhQ2PWv8vhIiur2UsqecFb2NmQ_btb8S9NT4vvgC2j91ZWjhHghenlR5YeixxbDto3R4a8Q2ZRZoDUQvX2afbTJGfN_I5d3OMWm79_NPXLfmwVsn8uDhAValZj6MrMl/s1600/pom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEekV-yBRpl63-KLhQ2PWv8vhIiur2UsqecFb2NmQ_btb8S9NT4vvgC2j91ZWjhHghenlR5YeixxbDto3R4a8Q2ZRZoDUQvX2afbTJGfN_I5d3OMWm79_NPXLfmwVsn8uDhAValZj6MrMl/s1600/pom3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Pompeii</span></div><br />
I'm still trying to get my blog back on track...so in that spirit, I'm featuring an item that is already listed on my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lionartcreations">Etsy page</a>.<br />
<br />
This was taken with my good, old, manual, Pentax K-1000 while in Pompeii, 2005 (that's right, film!). A friend of mine called me over to look through a wall and this is what I saw! Gorgeous. Pompeii was definitely one of my favorite places in Italy...due to my love of ruins. It's such a hauntingly beautiful place. The silence was full of noise...almost as if I could hear the people who once walked along the streets, lived in the homes, and shopped in the markets. <br />
<br />
The photo is matted in black and the size, total, is 8"x10."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37504779/photo-print-column-pompeii">Column, Pompeii</a>- $20.00<br />
<br />
XO<br />
<br />
I hope everyone still snowed in is staying warm!<br />
<br />
P.S. The <a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2010/12/silhouette-box.html">Silhouette Box</a> is still availableThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-88115086879866175012010-12-26T20:08:00.013-05:002010-12-27T16:38:52.491-05:00Surprise, Surprise...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc8e_DH8AclIgnAGLWCTfBiRP_7_Na4uhLYFMz5N3lv-UGGODj-Ciz9f_teBEYixOAIyVNtC8dlWAdylt1edxQyGiMRDsuWWboD5dyoY068ZLBRoKTL827FW8QyzoEUMclrh5aK5cIrZ4/s1600/wallet_out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc8e_DH8AclIgnAGLWCTfBiRP_7_Na4uhLYFMz5N3lv-UGGODj-Ciz9f_teBEYixOAIyVNtC8dlWAdylt1edxQyGiMRDsuWWboD5dyoY068ZLBRoKTL827FW8QyzoEUMclrh5aK5cIrZ4/s320/wallet_out.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I "mastered" fair isle for my nephews' Christmas gifts...</span> </div><br />
I am freshly back from Christmas in Connecticut...and surrounded by snow.<br />
<br />
I am SO ready for the holidays to be over so I can get back to some semblance of a schedule (and I always use the word "schedule" very loosely). I want to get my blog back on schedule too...<br />
<br />
This week's Creative Dreaming assignment was to make a list of all the things that have surprised and delighted me this year. I'll admit, most of it surprised and delighted me. It was like going on a treasure hunt every week, uncovering little bits of my heart and soul and putting them together in the puzzle that is my life.<br />
<br />
~I have been repeatedly surprised by how much I enjoy "tending my hearth." Back when I was deciding what I wanted to major in in college, I was convinced I wanted to work in a corporate office...live in New York City...<br />
<br />
Now...I suppose I've done that...and want to create a home and live somewhere beautiful that fills me with peace and joy (preferably without a loud upstairs neighbor).<br />
<br />
~I have been surprised and delighted with my increasing ability to cook without recipes...something I never thought I'd do...<br />
<br />
~My desire to basically make everything from scratch...including facial moisturizers, cold creams, tooth-paste, etc. <br />
<br />
~How material things have become less and less important.<br />
<br />
~I'm always delighted by how much love and support is out there for me and my dreams.<br />
<br />
~My increased talent in the knitting department.<br />
<br />
~The fact that I've been able to crawl out from under my debt and am beginning to see the sun again.<br />
<br />
~The increased ease with which I carry myself...dress...<br />
<br />
~I'm so surprised (and delighted) that I love beer and scotch.<br />
<br />
~The ease with which I've made connections and friends in my beloved Scotland...and I can't wait to meet a few in person this Spring!<br />
<br />
~My increasing adventurousness. I made myself a promise when I was last on Iona...that I'll never let fear keep me from doing something I truly want to do.<br />
<br />
~How my instincts steer me in the right direction when I relax and follow.<br />
<br />
~The happiness I felt at the thought of actually moving...when it felt possible.<br />
<br />
XO<br />
<br />
P.S. Here are more photos of the (finished) wallets I made for my nephews this Christmas. They were a big hit! I was so delighted that these very plugged in boys were so appreciative of simple, hand-made gifts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiELmK4YvnPzYWSkuK2XMrF6MTA1d_VqEYrtoGOSDEx2tLbRs-AucjOBAMmk9t2GBhQOYeSLntMIj3AiQIa2pmLMzVOywf_uqIFUJOq5Ql8wKKSuxujMdsekJnG4sq0mpkHH9A8cSIxqk/s1600/leo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiELmK4YvnPzYWSkuK2XMrF6MTA1d_VqEYrtoGOSDEx2tLbRs-AucjOBAMmk9t2GBhQOYeSLntMIj3AiQIa2pmLMzVOywf_uqIFUJOq5Ql8wKKSuxujMdsekJnG4sq0mpkHH9A8cSIxqk/s320/leo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> "L" for Leo</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZvNDmI_GcoThWwr4DEUMGQLcZyfL82w1k0rctvmmCioNDhzWUe9my2onAdwDUYth3TurNDrYDVSixwS8Pc79KjUI_pUzo39fEHZZNnHp6bh5k9LoY8RTomRd587Bqu35eUx4E2RscxaA/s1600/max.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZvNDmI_GcoThWwr4DEUMGQLcZyfL82w1k0rctvmmCioNDhzWUe9my2onAdwDUYth3TurNDrYDVSixwS8Pc79KjUI_pUzo39fEHZZNnHp6bh5k9LoY8RTomRd587Bqu35eUx4E2RscxaA/s320/max.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"M" for Max</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMamSkw5MN9m8lj_ThEh1_qAZJoHydGhnACJyOJ85PNLSg-NIh0ujUSm44ZJnx3QvfDiO3pJHttFjXhUgoWy6BxTvKCRUArUhG8NZUfykrGnHFxV6JvbVOCkCSh92l5p4sYvBDHLfBGs18/s1600/wallet_zip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMamSkw5MN9m8lj_ThEh1_qAZJoHydGhnACJyOJ85PNLSg-NIh0ujUSm44ZJnx3QvfDiO3pJHttFjXhUgoWy6BxTvKCRUArUhG8NZUfykrGnHFxV6JvbVOCkCSh92l5p4sYvBDHLfBGs18/s320/wallet_zip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Outside Zipper</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdQJk83UXqD5zKm3Y-jPS-psMoYuqkK0CPfS96xuIXQqf8XhIJRiA0caKqEPi2kVdlS_8XSMJWPfacJLAdZX2nnZ9kp6mkSwLuXv2Q2AO0M7ArFI4B_d1_WwlzFNeEmCLG3S-8aCr6kMf/s1600/wallet_in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdQJk83UXqD5zKm3Y-jPS-psMoYuqkK0CPfS96xuIXQqf8XhIJRiA0caKqEPi2kVdlS_8XSMJWPfacJLAdZX2nnZ9kp6mkSwLuXv2Q2AO0M7ArFI4B_d1_WwlzFNeEmCLG3S-8aCr6kMf/s320/wallet_in.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Inside lining</span></div>The Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-12211466784671287762010-12-23T11:00:00.002-05:002010-12-23T11:17:28.965-05:00Growing Pains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmbdXr4QdXfjW5cZs774sRFurjsCpgg930fIBHGDveRnpe72YM4XBVaVpY_kSIRC2ubX7wuMGo84vkHMrLHPtNSb4CvjvuojtUAhfa5w4Yq_2sF1EszXrbPdBbKpLqDw0nvul962s1ray/s1600/christmasbell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmbdXr4QdXfjW5cZs774sRFurjsCpgg930fIBHGDveRnpe72YM4XBVaVpY_kSIRC2ubX7wuMGo84vkHMrLHPtNSb4CvjvuojtUAhfa5w4Yq_2sF1EszXrbPdBbKpLqDw0nvul962s1ray/s320/christmasbell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'm trying to write this in the midst of last minute holiday gift-making-craziness. Yes, I've somehow gotten myself into the seemingly impossible situation of making most of my gifts...and I've decided to do this during a season where I've had very few free weekends...and that's when I get stuff done!<br />
<br />
The upside to all this though, has been a lot of quality time with my family and though stressful at times it's been very Christmas-y since Thanksgiving!<br />
<br />
But right now I'm enjoying a last minute "day off" before the holiday and thought I'd finish this baby up before getting back to my knitting and soap-making!<br />
<br />
My most recent <a href="http://www.abccreativity.com/">Creative Dreaming </a>assignment was to reflect on what has grown since this journey has began...so here is my list: <br />
<br />
<ul><li>My hair :)<br />
</li>
<li>My knowledge<br />
</li>
<li>My blog and creative company<br />
</li>
<li>The ease within myself and my body (i.e. I'll go out without makeup etc. Although my skin is much better now that I'm on an herbal regime)<br />
</li>
<li>My self confidence<br />
</li>
<li>My impatience with living in New York <br />
</li>
<li>The desire to leave New York, and the calmness surrounding that decision<br />
</li>
<li>My friendships <br />
</li>
<li>The happiness that wells up within me when I think about leaving<br />
</li>
<li>The options of where to live seem to have grown now that the fear is lifting<br />
</li>
<li>Freedom from debt<br />
</li>
<li>Possibilities<br />
</li>
<li>My friends over in Scotland<br />
</li>
<li>My love for Scotland<br />
</li>
<li>At times, my impatience to find a way out...<br />
</li>
<li>My blog and it's voice.<br />
</li>
<li>The belief that I'm meant to do important things...and that I am on the cusp of a new chapter. (Lately I've been feeling as if I'm about to be shot out of a cannon at any moment).<br />
</li>
<li>My desire to unplug has grown, but is at odds with my want to work from home and create an expanded blog and website to go along with whatever <i>The Lion's Share</i> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lionartcreations"><i>LionArt Creations</i></a> turns into...it will take some creative balancing.</li>
</ul><br />
It's interesting to see that the biggest thing that's grown is my certainty that things are shifting and moving in a new direction...and that direction is out of New York City.<br />
<br />
And now I have to get back to "work!" <br />
<br />
Merry Christmas!<br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-9237900533499382972010-12-17T08:00:00.003-05:002010-12-17T16:31:07.050-05:00Spicy Chorizo Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVk-7D2bylA90coA9kGdakDQZabnxId4TSxY3_78UzmkVFMsXZaAG53-UiiwTtdU4-ced7u4e7szkG7q0eb2Egke5JMo7vleerb8RLbUrEapAwi4YY1wn49vdsunTcBd_aXb_n8JgwW5dM/s1600/chorizosoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVk-7D2bylA90coA9kGdakDQZabnxId4TSxY3_78UzmkVFMsXZaAG53-UiiwTtdU4-ced7u4e7szkG7q0eb2Egke5JMo7vleerb8RLbUrEapAwi4YY1wn49vdsunTcBd_aXb_n8JgwW5dM/s320/chorizosoup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I made this soup while staying at my cousin's house last month (<a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2010/11/family-affair-part-2.html">Family Affair, Part 2</a>)...but that was my second go at it!<br />
<br />
The first time I made this soup I used black and garbanzo beans, seaweed and buttermilk.<br />
<br />
1 medium onion<br />
1 can black beans<br />
1 can garbanzo beans<br />
1 small can diced tomatoes <br />
1 carton organic tomato soup<br />
1 carton chicken stock<br />
1 package chorizo sausage<br />
Organic kelp sheets<br />
Chili powder<br />
Cumin<br />
Garlic powder<br />
Cayenne<br />
<br />
<br />
I pretty much made it up as I went along...and started by cutting up the sausage and cooking it in a large pot with the onion (chopped)...then adding the beans and spices (dashes of each). Next I put the cartons of tomato soup and chicken stock in and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Then I added strips of kelp until I was happy and adjusted the spices to taste (I made it on the spicy side). Then I just let it simmer away on low until I felt it was ready :) Maybe another 15-20 minutes.<br />
<br />
After I dished some out, I added a dollop of buttermilk to the bowl.<br />
<br />
Yum!<br />
<br />
*Adding corn might be nice!*<br />
<br />
This is another one of my non-recipes...but as you can see, it's really easy and you can switch it up every time! These types of soups are great "clean out the pantry" types of meals.<br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-26228221593562565882010-12-15T06:08:00.002-05:002010-12-29T09:15:48.326-05:00Silhouette Box<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnniuHtnEYfRBglsWz4VE72mAur2wdtOo6z6jFq9egFjUGmAyPJmIvORr6zoZs-sYgN2V1TCOK57bTf3crKyAK5cCGzR2RY3STRUNl9zxNN2LzqvZbYlFKHnKzVxcTQ-k54p7PB3ZFISt/s1600/portbox_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnniuHtnEYfRBglsWz4VE72mAur2wdtOo6z6jFq9egFjUGmAyPJmIvORr6zoZs-sYgN2V1TCOK57bTf3crKyAK5cCGzR2RY3STRUNl9zxNN2LzqvZbYlFKHnKzVxcTQ-k54p7PB3ZFISt/s320/portbox_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I created the image on this box from a photo of myself, years ago, as practice for working in Adobe Illustrator. In the original black and white photo, I actually have short hair. Now, I have long(ish) hair, so maybe I was projecting forward back then?<br />
<br />
I really love this item. It reminds me of old fashioned cameos and cut-out silhouettes...it also allowed me to create something soft and illustrative in a computer program I used to hate because I thought it was too harsh! Live and learn, I guess :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__zdAVSUzsowCNxS91y7d8wYhAKOQBP1cP1ypLTgX-yeKcjjpc4KKG1NUWQjqSMRpKYTPkF7c9jZQXuN3j7qbk9FQ1NLdXmBey80AKcc1pl_zH6LfUhW0_2yNeahUctEMb7cP9U8XzhkX/s1600/portbox_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__zdAVSUzsowCNxS91y7d8wYhAKOQBP1cP1ypLTgX-yeKcjjpc4KKG1NUWQjqSMRpKYTPkF7c9jZQXuN3j7qbk9FQ1NLdXmBey80AKcc1pl_zH6LfUhW0_2yNeahUctEMb7cP9U8XzhkX/s320/portbox_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I applied one of my favorite artsy techniques...antiquing! I love antiquing things. It goes along with my love of history and bygone eras.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasNVtiQmBZjr53hrBSNOai-Mj3q-wL5-7rUyuU3Qow6RlvYuIQkpRiGbFx1LSZFK7i95ONlr8KKYm7EVpfOMkMX8rASY0jF0kNwwjdNMGgjm__bKLYhwsgP2cftMF9mpLeIE67-XaD_Ov/s1600/portbox_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasNVtiQmBZjr53hrBSNOai-Mj3q-wL5-7rUyuU3Qow6RlvYuIQkpRiGbFx1LSZFK7i95ONlr8KKYm7EVpfOMkMX8rASY0jF0kNwwjdNMGgjm__bKLYhwsgP2cftMF9mpLeIE67-XaD_Ov/s320/portbox_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This papier-mâché box is roughly 7" in diameter and 2" high, antiqued with water-based stain/varnish and made with love :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64365528/silhouette-box">Silhouette Box</a> -$18.00<br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-74756569175849800002010-12-13T20:00:00.004-05:002011-01-07T17:14:09.112-05:00It's the Same Old Me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIFwwZdGfhsiC__srOa08xpmVDbxbhbd2azQ4AHWvkfnWfSAtHkvCgrGjeo1n9t8WfKfBtiiZ03vDkVnerdccWqcCdldEQLqrWU1_9GxuhzIgvBtp0avqx_lhCG8FnIATykyxomgpSIRO/s1600/leeannegg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIFwwZdGfhsiC__srOa08xpmVDbxbhbd2azQ4AHWvkfnWfSAtHkvCgrGjeo1n9t8WfKfBtiiZ03vDkVnerdccWqcCdldEQLqrWU1_9GxuhzIgvBtp0avqx_lhCG8FnIATykyxomgpSIRO/s320/leeannegg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, that's me! The one on the right...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
I've had a Harry Potter movie quote sloshing around in my head for over a week:<br />
<br />
<b><span class="UIStory_Message">"It is not how you are alike. It is how you are different that matters."</span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="UIStory_Message">I was actually thinking about this in terms of being too much like someone I can't stand...but what if I turn it back on myself? In my apprenticeship, a few of us were discussing how we were afraid we might be slipping back into some old habits that we didn't want.</span><br />
<span class="UIStory_Message"> </span><br />
<span class="UIStory_Message">But what if those are simply qualities that we will always embody and should learn to love and or tweak into something better? Because in all fairness, I don't think I can ever get rid of some of my traits but I am certainly more aware of them now. I can reign them in when I need to or at least acknowledge them when the time is right.</span><span class="UIStory_Message"> Maybe they aren't as negative as I deem them to be?</span><span class="UIStory_Message"> Maybe being "the same" is okay.</span><b><span class="UIStory_Message"><br />
</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="UIStory_Message">***</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Last week I wrote about what <a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2010/12/easy-does-it.html">came easy</a> for my <a href="http://www.abccreativity.com/">Creative Dreaming</a> workshop...and this week I'm going to look at what has stayed the same throughout all my changes so far.</div></div></div><br />
<br />
One thing I've begun to notice is that as I have been changing, and realizing I'm different...the way some people in my life treat me has remained the same, which is difficult and smothering at times and very uncomfortable. It can make me feel un-seen...<br />
<br />
In my Senior yearbook, I put down "unnecessary noise" as one of my pet peeves...and that certainly hasn't changed...in fact, lately it's been coming back full force here in the city. (Noise, noise everywhere...and not a chance to think...)<br />
<br />
But those are negatives...though negatives that might help me find my way.<br />
<br />
Some positive things that have stayed with me through the years and my changes?<br />
<br />
I still love <a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2009/07/paul-mccartney.html">Paul McCartney</a> and The Beatles. That will always be part of the fabric that makes up my life.<br />
<br />
I will always love Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Pride and Prejudice, Dr. Quinn, Sense and Sensibility, Anne of Green Gables, True Blood and now...Dr. Who! Not necessarily in that order.<br />
<br />
I also admit that I will always love The Outlander Saga, Jane Austen, The Sookie Stackhouse novels, Twilight, and assorted romance novels...I'm a girl, after all. <br />
<br />
Through all the difficult stuff, I've always managed to hang onto my sense of humor and hope...even when I don't feel too hopeful, it always seems to seep back into things sooner or later.<br />
<br />
I will always love Broadway musicals and be a huge Terrence Mann fan!!! I think Broadway was the biggest reason I moved to New York in the first place...<br />
<br />
Laughter is one of the best things on Earth<br />
<br />
I will always be a Dog person :)<br />
<br />
Since I stepped off that bus in Edinburgh in 2004, my love for Scotland hasn't changed...but gotten deeper.<br />
<br />
I have remained a creative being. Whether I'm cooking, knitting, decoupaging, singing, photographing or writing...<br />
<br />
I will always know how to play the violin and will always keep <a href="http://lion-art.blogspot.com/2009/09/love-for-music.html">Myrtle</a> in the family. <br />
<br />
I have always been loyal (possibly to my detriment at times) and continue to be so...but now I have boundaries and know that there are times when I have to remove myself from some people's lives. So I'm loyal to myself first.<br />
<br />
I have always had the (sometimes annoying) knack of seeing situations from both sides. This can get very difficult because at times it causes me to feel as if I don't have the right to voice my anger or concerns...like in the case of my noisy upstairs neighbor (I flew off the handle and tapped on the ceiling a couple times and then felt like an idiot because he's just walking around in his apartment!) It certainly does reinforce that the collective noise in this city is killing me and I can't wait to leave. So yay for that!<br />
<br />
I used to love attention as a kid...putting on shows in the living room, and then I got very shy due to some mean kids at school...and now I've sort of come back around. I'll admit, I like being paid attention to (but not in a creepy way). However, I'm a bit quieter about it now. No more tutus and singing...although part of me would love to be in some sort of musical group again (maybe a show choir a la Glee???) :D<br />
<br />
<br />
I suppose to sum it all up...I'm still me, just less afraid to show it.<br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194297674057333728.post-6892274710001338672010-12-10T12:00:00.011-05:002010-12-12T12:53:57.692-05:00Apple, Fig and Walnut Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMmyIV6i0JAFGdfg-rQ4qw-9f22YErTyCMQeN-Y9yPhLnzDivaTqi_ZohiQ_seeeuFqNfe-N1G24HTz147ed0K2Hdnnbsjk51AzhA1MEffER0ANyqQXCRIfCJvpUTOU5zy20xFm3OoVpY/s1600/applesalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMmyIV6i0JAFGdfg-rQ4qw-9f22YErTyCMQeN-Y9yPhLnzDivaTqi_ZohiQ_seeeuFqNfe-N1G24HTz147ed0K2Hdnnbsjk51AzhA1MEffER0ANyqQXCRIfCJvpUTOU5zy20xFm3OoVpY/s320/applesalad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This was delicious, and SO easy!<br />
<br />
I made it for lunch for one of my Fall Apprenticeship days.<br />
<br />
My criteria for recipes I need to carry elsewhere is that it can't leak and doesn't need to be heated up...and as I am usually making it after a LONG day at work, minimal cooking and work.<br />
<br />
But optimal yumminess, of course!<br />
<br />
I bought a bag of local apples, empire, and chopped up about 5 of them. The I chopped up some leftover dried figs. I believe I also used one lone granny smith apple I had in my fruit basket.<br />
<br />
Next, I pan roasted some walnut halves in olive oil and sea salt.<br />
<br />
Then I tossed it all together with apple cider vinegar and honey to taste and a dash of cinnamon and ground ginger.<br />
<br />
(I bet lemon juice would also work, in place of the AC vinegar).<br />
<br />
It was delicious, crisp and oozing with Fall flavors! The toasted walnuts added a touch of warmth to the cold salad. <br />
<br />
XOThe Lion's Sharehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00296177513451161648noreply@blogger.com0