"Living an ARTful Life"

"Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen".  (Leonardo da Vinci)

Northern Beacon  (Acrylic on canvas, by bArB)

We all live in an 'Artful' world, and how lucky are we?  VERY!

Painting, poetry, sculpture, mosaic, cuisine, jewellery, glass works, carvings, music, dance, photography, fabrics, furniture, decor, theatre, wine making... the list is endless.

For the artists themselves, it's their passion, their dream, their vision, their voice, their life's purpose. For the beholders... it's beauty, a memory, a feeling, a connection, a celebration. 

A painting can take you to the vineyards of Italy without leaving home. A beautifully choreographed dance can send your spirits soaring. A lullaby can soothe your soul. A poem can evoke memories of childhood. A lovingly hand-crafted piece of furniture can offer comfort and refuge after a difficult day. An intricate piece of jewellry can say 'I love you'. A photograph can capture a wonderous moment, to be enjoyed time and time again. A comedy troupe can make you laugh, and lighten your heart.

I have a creative side, and have always enjoyed 'dabbling' in things of an artistic nature. Three years ago, I took a painting class that gave me more than I could have ever imagined.  I have become an 'artist'!  Not just someone who paints. But someone who better appreciates the world of art, the passion that artists feel for their work, the skill and time put into their craft, the many genres that exist within the world of  'Art', and the devotion of those who try to bring 'Art' to the masses. I have met new and interesting people. I have found a wonderful way to express myself. A way to share a part of me, with those I love. I have opened a door, stepped through, and found a new piece of myself.

I encourage each and every one of you to do the same. It doesn't matter how you do it.

Take a painting class, read a book of classic poetry, go dancing with a special someone, attend the opening night of a play, visit a fabric store and run your fingers through silken treasures, join a photography club, wander through an art gallery, start a dinner group and explore the delectable delights of different cultures through food and wine.  

Let your imagination take you to the world of artistic discovery.

Your world will be all the richer for it.

Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"No Blog Today"

 "No Blog Today"  (by bArB)

No blog today

I'm sorry to say

For my fingers will be

Far, far away...

From my keyboard that is

So don't be blue

Tomorrow I'll be back

To blog for you! 

Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"That First Snowfall"

At the risk of sounding insane to anyone reading this, I'm going to make a bold statement:  I love the first snowfall.
Call me crazy, (and many do!) but there's just something about those first floating flakes of icy crystals that sends a shiver of excitement through my entire being. I think it goes back to my early childhood days. (snicker here, those thinking "now that wasn't yesterday". I know who you are!)

Part anticipation, part possibilities. You never knew when that first flake would fall.  Would it be just a "dusting", as my dad used to say, or something grand enough to make a tiny snowman! Could I cajole my mom, with a promise not to lose them or get them dirty, in to letting me wear those new boots or bright pink mittens? Even at six years old, I could be pretty convincing (or was that stubborn?!). Anyhoo...

As the years passed, and I grew older, that first snowfall never lost it's charm. In my early twenty's, I worked as a nurse on a pediatric unit. If I happened to be on duty the day the first snow fell, my co-workers always knew where to find me... I'd be at the window of the ward room (it had the biggest window!), with as many of our wee patients as possible gathered around, watching snowflakes dance and swirl, excitedly sharing our favorite snow stories. A little respite from illness for them, a treasured trip down memory lane for me.

When my own children were little, we lived in Fort McMurray. The snow came early in this northern Alberta town. And my kids and I would be right there... layered in warm clothes, kicking up our hiking boot clad heels, doing the dance of joy on our front yard! We made little "snowball snowmen" and did "snow art" with squirt bottles of colored water. Then, with glowing rosy cheeks, we'd go in and have a picnic... grilled cheese sandwhich sticks, apple slices, and hot chocolate. It was always the best of days.

But whether we're six, or sixty-six, we know the first snow never lasts. It just teases us with fleeting moments of glee and then says goodbye, leaving us breathless with anticipation for the winter wonderland soon to arrive. At least that's the way I saw it then, and still see it now.

As I write these last few words, I'm watching a chipmunk scurry back and forth along our fence, making his final preparations for the season ahead. What a smart fella. For those of you who shudder at the idea of winter's arrival, I say this: Learn from nature's creatures. Enjoy this season, as you prepare for the next... then you can enjoy that season, too.

So dust off your boots, find your mittens, put on your winter tires, knit a new scarf, get out your slow cooker. Then sigh and relax. You're ready. Now just take in the beauty of it all.


Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Bliss In A Bowl"

Talk about perfect timing!
The snow is gently falling, and the temperature outside is a cool -1 C .... brrrrr.
Yet, I am warm and toasty. I've got my fav pj's on, and my fluffy, cosy slippers.
A fire is crackling away in my stone fireplace. (Oh, how I love the sights, sounds, and scents, of a wood burning fire.)
And... drum roll please... I've just indulged in a big "bowl of bliss"!
"What is she talking about ?", you ask. And so I shall answer.
On this chilly, windy, snowy, noon hour, I've just enjoyed a piping warm bowl of "potage".
A soup from 18th century France, fit for a queen! Really! The Queen of the day figures into the story of potage. Stay tuned....

A mere few weeks ago, I had never heard of potage. Then, on Thanksgiving weekend, my better half and I attended a lovely wedding, just off the island of Montreal. The day was perfect, the setting pictureque, the ceremony short and sweet. I tried my best to decipher the many conversations taking place "en francais". But, to be honest, my success was limited. I did, however, catch one word. After enjoying a heavenly soup, served for the first course of dinner, I asked my nearest table guest, "What is this delicious confection?" "Potage", came the simple answer. Then to my delight, she proceeded to share the basics of creating potage at home. Oh happy day!! (Merci, Annette)

Fast forward to yesterday. Sunday dinner. Company. An elderly guest, and her vegetarian nephew. What to serve?... Potage!  But being who I am, before I set about cooking, I had to do a little investigation into this wonderful, full-bodied soup.
As the story goes, a young frenchman returns home from war, and finds the citizens of his beloved homeland starving. Determined to right this wrong, he took the lowly, oft forgotten potato, and created a soup fit for the bellies of his countrymen. And, perhaps as a show of gratitude for saving her nation from the throws of malnutrtion (?!), the Queen even adorned her coiffure with a potato flower. Fact or fiction, it's a good story!

There are many versions of this historic soup.
With the hints from my wedding friend, and a few tweaks of my own, I present to you:

Barb's Blissful Potage
    Peel and coarsely chop:
4 large potatoes             1 large yam
5 carrots                        1 med onion
1 med zuchini                 1 large roasted pepper (red or yellow, skinned and seeded)
2 purple topped turnips
   
Place vegetables in large stock pot and add:
1 can lentils, drained and rinsed                                 2 C cauliflower, chopped
1 container chicken or vegetable broth (900 mls)       3-4 grinds of sea salt & coarse pepper
pinch of dried thyme                                                  pinch of curry powder

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 mins. to 1 hr.
Remove from heat. Let cool 10 mins.
Add: 1 container Campbell's "Gardenay Butternut Squash" soup
         1 C  half & half cream
With hand blender, puree until smooth. (If using stand blender, let soup cool longer, puree in batches, then gently reheat.) Ladle into your favorite dishes, drizzle with a little cream, serve with slabs of buttered, country harvest bread, and voila... "Bliss in a Bowl" !

Simple, sublime, sustenance. I love it. Je l'adore.


Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Sunday Dinner"

SPIRIT: ... A vital force within living beings; ... the essential nature of humanity; ... the fundamental emotion of feeling.


We're having company for dinner tonight... an elderly friend, and her nephew (who is visiting from England). With age, vegetarianism, likes, dislikes, and a forecasted cool, snowy, wet day to consider, I have carefully planned the menu, and will soon start creating our feast for "Sunday Dinner".

Just saying those two words brings back memories of so many dinners past.
The family and friends who gathered at the table (or TV trays!).  Saying, and sharing, Grace... remembering to be thankful for what we had been given. The ever popular roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy, the comforting chicken pot pie, the delicious roast pork with dressing balls. The crackling of a winter's night fire, or the warm breeze of a summer's eve. The stories and the laughter. The "spirit" of Sunday dinner was all encompassing.

Does that spirit still exist today?  I hope so. Our lives have become so busy, we just don't have time, or make time, for family dinners anymore. 
Having raised children who were involved in a number of activities, having a husband who travels for work, having personally been affected by illness and often unable to participate in treasured family time... I get it, I understand. It's not easy to have everyone in one place, at one time, enjoying one meal together.
Or perhaps separation from, or loss of family creates the impossiblity of gathering together to share in the delightment of a Sunday dinner. We've experienced both of these difficult situations. This is where your friends become your family. And you are thankful for them.

My point, and I do have one (!), is this... everyone should know the joy of a Sunday dinner. 
So whether you've attended church this day, whether it's a day where you've quietly reflected at home, a day needed to prepare for the week ahead, and especially if it's a day that lacks purpose or meaning for you... accept an invitation to a Sunday dinner, or prepare and share a simple meal at home, inviting your family or friends.  

Your spirit will rejoice!


(Post Script: This special dinner can take place on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday too. You can be "spiritual" any day of the week!)
  
Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"Parenthood... A Lifetime of Firsts"

" A father's love is higher than a mountain, a mother's love deeper than the sea."
                                                                                                      Japanese Proverb


Parenthood is not for the faint of heart!
But for those who choose the role, even with all the trials and tribulations, the returns are priceless.

I think one of my favorite parts of parenting is experiencing "the firsts".
Right away, most of you will think I'm talking about the first year. True, this is a time of awe and wonderment, discovery and amazement.... the first time you hold your child in your arms, the first little goo, that perfect first smile. Their first laugh, first tooth, sitting up, sleeping through the night, the much awaited "mama" or "dada", the first wobbly steps. It's a fantastical 365 days, to be sure.

But the "firsts" don't finish there. No siree bob. In fact, they never end. (Yeah!)
I remember so many. The first big slobbery kiss, the first hug from chubby little arms, the first "I love you Mommy". The first playdate, the first day of school, first handmade art class "Happy Mother's Day" card, first school dance, the first sleepover, first time to the mall with friends, the first crush, the first time at the wheel of the family car (Yikes!). Each "first" carries a special memory, and brings a nostalgic smile to my face.

And even now, as my children enter young adulthood, the "firsts" keep a coming! They may be unpredictable, unannounced, unexpected, but they are no less special, less fantastic, less memorable.
My boy, my oldest, who is out on his own, came over for Sunday dinner last week. Arriving with his girlfriend, he quickly produced a 7 Layer Dip for an appetizer... his contribution towards dinner.
A FIRST ! And I loved him a little more for it. Then yesterday, as I plied my freshman skills at blogging, my daughter actually laughed with me, over something I had written. Another FIRST ! Usually the laughs are on me, as my computer abilities are challenged at best, and, as is the norm for most Mom's of teenagers, my sense of humor is considered out right weird. That shared laughter will be a treasured moment for ever.

So as my muse comes to an end... I look forward, with great anticipation, to all the "firsts" yet to be.
Even the first time my children visit me in the Old Folks Home.
Just hope I remember who they are !!


Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"TGIF... Thank Goodness It's Fall!"

Fall   (by bArB)

"Oh my," said the wind to the leaves one day,

"I think it's time you go, not stay.

So put on your coats of red and gold,

Listen well, and do as you're told."

"You must let go of mother tree.

Please look your best, and come with me.

Swirl, and twirl, now gently fall,

To the oohs and awws, and marvel of all."

"Lay a carpet, for all to tread,

In beautiful colors of gold and red.

One last time to dance with glee,

Then I shall say good-bye to thee."

Oh, how I love the Fall...

To many, it means summer's over. To others, it's the beginning of a busy school year. To home-owners, it's time to rake the leaves, do the yard work, and get ready for winter.

I think Fall gets the short end of the seasonal stick ... being referred to as the end of summer, or, "oh my, winter's just around the corner". Give a season a break!

Who brings you a kaleidescope of color where ever you look?  Or those nose twinkling mornings, followed by warm glowing afternoons, and sweater snuggling evenings? What other time of year treats us with the scent of apple crisp air? And who reminds us to be thankful for those we hold dear, and the goodness that surrounds us? Not Winter, Spring, or Summer baby ... it's the Fall!

So, in the immortal words of the followers of the 60's... "give Fall a chance!"

You'll be happy that you did.

Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"OMG... Oh My Gourd!"

Next to the changing of the leaves, nothing says fall like that big, vibrant globe with the funny name... the PUMPKIN! That bright ball of orange, that starts as a flower on a vine, and ever so subtly takes over the garden patch. (They also come in white, yellow, green, tan, and even blue... yes, I said blue. Hard to picture blue pumpkin pie as the "piece de resistance" at the Thanksgiving table. It sooo wouldn't match the color scheme!)

But I'm talking the good ol' orange variety here. The ones that greet you at a front door, perhaps snuggled against a little bale of hay, with bits of gingham ribbon tied around their stems. The wee ones at the grocery store that make you say, "Oh, how cute!" That perfect one at the bottom of the farmer's market bin, just waiting to be carved and proudly put on display, glowing, and inspiring many "ooohs and awwws". A fruit (not a vegetable!) so simple, yet it's the guest of honor at festivals around the world.

Some things you may (get a life) or may not (that's more like it) know about pumpkins:
- In colonial times, the pumpkin was used as an ingredient for the crust, NOT the filling.
- Pumpkins, and the tale of Cinderella, both originated in the 17th century. Coincidence?
- It was once thought that pumpkin mush could remove freckles. ( Ahh yes, and the infamous fake 'n bake orange glow is born!)
- Holy Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, Batman,,, the largest pumpkin pie on record weighed over 2000 lbs. !

In musing about the pumpkin, I'd definitely have to say... "you are marvelous!" (channel Billy Crystal here). And if you question my affection, try out this super scrumptious recipe:

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS
4 eggs                                                      3 C unbleached flour
1 C white sugar                                        1 TBSP cinnamon
1/2 C brown sugar                                   2 tsp baking powder
1 C vegetable oil                                      1 tsp baking soda
1/2 C plain applesauce                             1/2 tsp salt
1 (14 oz) can pumpkin pie filling               2 C chocolate chips

In large bowl, slightly beat eggs. Add sugars, oil, applesauce, and pumpkin filling. Beat on low, til well blended. Sift in dry ingredients, blend until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop into well greased muffin tins. Bake at 375 for 16-18 mins. Makes almost 3 dozen.

Hoping this recipe helps you see the lowly gourd in a whole new light!
                                           
Keep on keeping on... bArB :)

"My First Blog Blurb"

Well, I've found another outlet for my creative juices to flow, something totally new and fandangled ... BLOGGING! Join me for musings on anything from the "mundane to the marvelous". Look for poetry entries (mine and those who've gone before me), takes on current events, art displays, jokes to make you laugh, stories to make you think, recipes to nourish and feed your soul, and all the thoughts that jumble about in my eclectic mind. Hope you join me on this journey. And remember to buckle up... it could be a wild ride!

Always try to "be" in the moment    ... bArB :)