Tara Cuccia Photography

Part 2: Fort Davis and Indian Lodge

2013-12-11T12:07:00.001-06:00

If you missed it, part one documents our road trip out to west Texas and stay at Hotel Paisano. Phase two of our trip entailed hiking around the Fort Davis mountains.

During our second hike (5 hours up, across, and down a big ol' mountain) we encountered about 10 aoudads on the side of a steep mountainside where the trail narrowed to just fit your feet and there was no room for error, nothing to break your fall if you tumbled left, just sharp rocks and cacti piercing you as you slide and roll. What's an aoudad? A Barbary sheep, they say. It looks like a cross between a deer and a ram; it has those magnificent curly horns. We don't have any pictures because we were stunned and if you move they take off, which they did when "one" of us moved. It's amazing how quickly they can run down such a steep grade with rocks and such.

We forgot to visit the actual fort because we were enjoying the state park, Indian Lodge grounds, and surrounding area roads and land. The drive to Fort Davis is amazing and hopefully I'll have some good analog shots once I get the film developed. I can't tell you what quiet country roads, the sound of wind through fields, and watching enormous cows not giving a shit does for me.

This old woman [La Loba, Wild Woman, The One Who Knows] stands between the worlds of rationality and mythos. She is the knuckle and bone on which these two worlds turn. This land between the worlds is that inexplicable place we all recognize once we experience it, but its nuances slip away and shape-change if one tries to pin them down, except when we use poetry, music, dance . . . or story.

- Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D., Women Who Run With The Wolves, Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype

The night we stayed at Indian Lodge we sat outside bundled up (it's definitely chilly in the winter time - we were there the first week in November) to look at the stars. It took my eyes a minute or so to adjust and suddenly all the jillions of stars came into focus. The sky was so clear. A while later, again, suddenly things came into focus - it was like I could see the entire solar system, every star and galaxy. The sky looked like one of those detailed science photos or a drawing that maps everything out. Tri-iipy! I've never seen more stars in my life.

Now, for the conclusion of our star gazing, I don't know if anyone believes us when we tell the story but ... at one point we both were sitting quietly when a mass of light hovered on the side of the mountain we faced. It was like a fog but as I mentioned earlier, it was a clear night. There aren't city lights reflecting anywhere; you're in the mountains with no cell service at Indian Lodge itself. We looked around - no car headlights, no lights on in the rooms facing that mountainside and even if light was leaking out of any windows it wouldn't reach out in a floating mass that far. It didn't last long and just as it appeared, it simply vanished.

Third post in the west Texas series up next: Marfa and El Cosmico.

Part 1: On the Road to Marfa. And Hotel Paisano.

2013-11-15T12:53:00.001-06:00

I've lived in Tejas since 1982 and this is the first time I've been out to west Texas. Within the first two hours, give or take, the word southwest came to mind. Ah yes, this is the southwest. And it's starting to look like Arizona; duh, naturally this makes sense. You can see the landscape organically morph. Who knew there were real mountains in Texas?!

Our trip was planned around staying in a teepee at El Cosmico that Mike booked as a surprise. The only teepee available happened to land on Thursday. Our trip basically went in three parts based on where we could get a place to stay along the way. We left on Tuesday morning. So we needed some place to stay for two other nights. Besides glamping at El Cosmico (and it's still pretty close to real-ish camping, in my opinion) some other things of nature we had to do were stop at Balmorhea to jump in Solomon Springs on the way (check) and explore the Ft. Davis mountains and stay at Indian Lodge. Those are on the way out to Marfa but the only availability at the lodge was on Wednesday. We couldn't decide on where to stay on the way to or near Marfa on Tuesday (that wouldn't take us out of the way or be a complete shit hole) so we just went on through, stayed the night in Marfa on Tuesday evening then headed back north Wednesday morning to explore the Ft. Davis area.

We originally thought we would real-camp on Tuesday but at the last minute decided not to because we thought we might freeze. It was supposed to be in the 30's or 40's or something. Turns out, with all the blankets we brought we probably would have been fine. Well, after around 10 hours or so of driving (we made stops for photos, etc.) we got to Marfa and stayed at El Paisano. Amazing hotel with turn of the century, southwest revival design and architecture. I'll talk more about Marfa in my next post in this three part road trip series: 1) On the Road to Marfa, 2) Ft. Davis & Indian Lodge, and 3) Back to Marfa.

But for now here are the photos from our trip out to west Texas and early the next morning heading to Ft. Davis & Indian Lodge. This was really one of the best trips I've ever had, including trips to Europe and the Caribbean. For real.

These next two photos are from Balmorhea at Solomon Springs. I hate to say it but the water itself is more amazing than Barton Springs. It's clear spring water that feels so soft and the visibility is phenomenal. If you were blind folded and dropped into the water there then the blindfold was removed and you opened your eyes to look below, you would think you were in the ocean.

These next two photos are a view from our screened-in porch. Some might think, "awful, white-trashy", but if you know me, you know I like seedy stuff & see everything as art when I'm in the mood. The light was ethereal and the texture of the buildings and little patches of grass was crunchy perfect.

This is on our walk to Cochineal for dinner, a really adorable and delicious upscale yet casual chic restaurant. I'm good at identifying the most subtle of flavors in recipes but the steak that Mike had -- I dunno! It was really perfect. All I know is that there was some sort of smoky grilled thing going on and I was getting the sense of something herbaceous, green, and fresh at the same time. Yowza. The building you see in the distance is part of The Chinati Foundation.

Life's A Garden, Dig It!

2013-08-03T10:17:00.001-05:00

It's been a really long time since I've done a blog post. Working a bunch will do that to you. I think I haven't done once since March or earlier. Here, my patient people, we have a collection of graffiti and other public or street art. It always brings a good vibe to your day and forces you to pause for a moment, which I think is becoming more and more important because it happens less and less nowadays. Slow it down people, shit's not that crucial! Viva the good life and viva mas adventures!

Island Vibes

2013-05-15T21:30:00.001-05:00

Dresses and flowers and beer and leather bags and jewelry and the beach and little breezes. Jasmine intoxication, the scent of green in the air, erratic and short-lived misty rains, huge iguanas. Silly music and low and reggae, and love and silky skin on the sand. Dark coffee and perfectly sweet, quiet breakfasts. Smiles and ocean vibes, sea to plate. Fruit bursts in your mouth. Nights. And mornings spidering across tousled sheets.

Lone Star Round Up

2013-04-06T18:33:00.001-05:00

Which one is your fave?! And can you spot the panties hanging from the rear view? Gotta love it.

A (few) Day(s) in the Life (of Austin).

2013-02-23T15:36:00.001-06:00

Grafitti, grit, and some shit you probably don't want to see. Urbanscapes, windows, doors, the Austin skyline at night, the moon, old ramshackle buildings, good times. The stuff of love. xo

Architects of Air: Exxopolis Luminarium

2013-02-05T10:44:00.001-06:00

Architects of air is right - I felt sort of weightless walking through this living, interactive art exhibit. At first, my balance felt off and I felt like I was almost floating. The off-kilter balance thing wore off quickly but I continued to move slowly through the Luminarium, keeping that floating feeling with me.

Food, the City, and Innovation

2013-01-29T11:21:00.000-06:00

Roundtable conference about the global food system. February 1 & 2, 2013

From The Food Lab's website:

The Food Lab at the University of Texas at Austin presents “Food, the City, and innovation,” a two-day roundtable conference at the E.A. Smith building – just west of the Blanton Museum in Austin, Texas. The Food Lab at UT and our co-host Boston University believe that the climate for innovation in the food industry could not be better.

New food startups led by engineers, artists, scientists, and architects are responding to the challenge to re-invent our global food system. This conference will explore the opportunities for innovation and seek those that will benefit from the collaboration between universities and our cities.

_________________________________________________________________________________

You can register to attend here. I definitely think the time has well come for us to explore new approaches to our food system that bring together communities and different industries. It's time to reclaim our health and disrupt our current mass produced chain that is often unclear about where our food comes from and the ingredients in it.

Visit the conference website for more information, keynote speakers, etc. Also, find them on Facebook to keep up with up-to-date info.

An Old Portrait of Ohio

2013-01-28T13:13:00.001-06:00

You don't think of much when you hear "Cleveland." Obviously, it's not a top destination but there is a lot of history there - Danny Green and major mafia activity, it was the location of "A Christmas Story", it's home to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the esteemed Cleveland Symphony, the art Museum is wonderful, there is incredible architecture and a historical urban landscape, and at one time it was a booming industrial city.

I love hearing my mom reminisce about Cleveland in it's prime - a veritable Americana. Old neighborhoods were defined by race and ethnicity. There was the black neighborhood, the Catholic neighborhood, the Italian neighborhood, Polish, Jewish, Slovakian, and then there were the summer homes of wealthy white people along the lake. On every corner there was a neighborhood bar where blue collar workers would stop off before coming home to their families. The neighborhoods are still divided but now those local bars are more ghetto sketchy than colorful dive bars. And many of the homes that were big, beautiful, and well-kept are falling apart or drug houses.

At the same time, there are some areas that are growing and becoming trendy, like Tremont, home to the house where "A Christmas Story" was filmed and where celebrity chef Michael Symon has a few restaurants. The Great Lakes Brewing Co. lives in Ohio City, a hop, skip, and a jump from Tremont. Nearer to my mom's house is B Spot Burgers at Eton Square on Chagrin Boulevard. One of. the best. burgers. I've had. in. my. life. And a craft/local beer selection on tap. Heaven.

Whenever I fly into Cleveland to visit my mom we pass by the old steel mills on the way home. Many are abandoned but still standing and the large plot of land the buildings occupy is like a huge graveyard, slowly exhaling white clouds from the top of smokestacks of the factories still functioning. It's easy to imagine a lively picture of workers at the mills, machines cranking, the sound of steam escaping, and people talking loudly over the noise. It's this very culture that Obama and Romney both tried to win over during visits to Cleveland and talks at the factories still holding on. It must have been pretty eye opening for them to see a picture of what a struggling economy looks like, a middle-America portrait fading as time, high tech, and outsourced jobs rub away it's lustre.

The general state of Cleveland is pretty depressed. There are innumerable abandoned buildings. The political climate is corrupt and the economy is bombed. As I mentioned in a post where I talked about selections for my exhibit at E.A.S.T., there are still nuggets of beauty tucked deep in Cleveland - like amazing fall colors and gorgeous countryside. But for someone like me who loves abandoned buildings, things left behind and urbania, and the darker side of society, it's a photographer's playground.

En Route to Sedona, December 2012

2013-01-17T21:11:00.003-06:00

I have no idea why I feel compelled to share this. I mean clearly I sound like a songbird while chirping along with David Lee Roth (I still have a vivid pre-teen image in my memory of him shirtless over my friend's older sister's bed) "Hot for Teacher" so I should be really proud. But I promised in my first post after returning from Arizona over Christmas that I would put up this video. This is the part of the road trip right before we reached the snow covered high plains you see in the photos I shared on that post. Things have been really interesting since my return.

Want to see another lame, self-indulgent video? Here, I try to explain why I love hotels, motels, and horror films, which turned into like 3 blog posts.

New Moon

2013-01-11T18:30:00.001-06:00

It has been a very enlightening week for me. I've been extremely focused on current projects and made a few decisions and plans for future endeavors that are dear to me and about which I am passionate. Excited!

Today I had a random and meandering conversation with my sweetie about the spirit of giving and to me it's clear as day - if you give with the expectation of getting something back you will forever be disappointed. You can't give to just be nice or to keep up appearances because, in this way, you are only fooling yourself. It has to come from your heart and in that way you are being honest with yourself. If you are honest with yourself you will feel less conflict.

So, funny thing - after that conversation my sister calls later in the day and tells me a story about something nice she did for a coworker. She put detailed thought into what she did and concertedly chose this woman to make an effort to help out because she knew she had been having a difficult time recently. Didn't expect anything back but the lady didn't as much as offer a "thank you." Those words and "I'm sorry" are two of the most important courtesies we can offer one another in life to give something of ourselves and gain an understanding of and connection to someone else. And when you get used to doing it or find someone who teaches you through example (ahem, Mike) and reminds you of these two basic things we were taught by our mothers as children, it's really pretty easy. But they seem to be the most forgotten or hardest phrases for people to muster up. "Thank you" seems easier because not as much ego or frustration is concerned where "I'm sorry" is but still not used often enough. Anyway, point being, it really strikes a chord in me when these sorts of "coincidences" in life happen...living examples of intense moments or thoughts or ideas you recently had. And my sister felt as passionately about her given situation as I did about the broader concept of giving.

While talking with Mike about the truth of giving I was thinking about how that can manifest from a real openness and sincerity - a sincerity that is an understanding of yourself - again, truth. Another coincidence: I come across a blog called the Resting Nomad (shared on Facebook by The Cosmic Collage) that expands on the notions of truth, purity, and openness, as the writer shares her personal experience of the process of writing with "Ink & Paper" as well as her hopes for the new year.

New year, New Moon. Soo, also this week I decided to go ahead and order a moon calendar and learn more about the moon cycles because more often than not these days when I'm wondering why I am this or that or things are happening with me that seem uncontrollable (yes, I'm talking about the female cycle and at times freaking out!) I discover there was a particular change in the Moon. It's beyond coincidence at this point. Everything seems to be aligning for me right now - acceptance (after some fear over next steps where my career is concerned), decisions as to next steps and moving forward with new, deep-rooted and exciting projects I mentioned I'm planning, making a conscious decision (during the week of the New Moon -- coincidence? ;) to learn more about the Moon and astrology, and finally, I'll be doing a sweat lodge tomorrow.

For years I've been curious to do one but have always been afraid. Rather than fearing the heat or any physical discomforts, I think the fear is more about having some sort of emotional breakdown in front of strangers, as I hear lodges are intense and release toxins, offer realizations, and cleansing. Well, after doing some research I learned that the traditional Lakota sweat lodge signifies a transformation to a new you. An opportunity arose to participate in a sweat lodge during the time of the new moon and in the midst of all these discoveries and revelations and feelings of openness, freedom, bravery and acceptance. Coincidence, really? Well, another "coincidence": the same lady, where I discovered the link to the blog post from the Resting Nomad who discussed truth and openness, happened to share a blog post referencing a Lakota prayer. Now, I realize not everything I point to as "coincidence" (and if you haven't figured it out, I quote "coincidence" to express when things seem to me more meaningful than mere coincidence) is not always a magical or cosmic phenomenon but rather the simple fact that people with similar or the same interests and/or beliefs run in the same circles or seek out certain information. Birds of a feather... However, ha!, that warrants some thought, too - how those people find one another.

Anyway. Alignment. Moon calendar, focus, overcoming fears, coincidences...turns out it's a New Moon today. So I can't help think this is not all coincidence but that I have been led to this point by somehow being in tune ... with the moon. One last "coincidence": I also came across another blog post by The Sphinx & the Milky Way, where she talks about how the new moon brings focus, space, and freedom. And is about "being in the darkness" (darkness pertaining to a particular phase of the moon when, "at the moment of conjunction in ecliptical longitude with the Sun, the Moon is invisible from the Earth"). I'll keep it simple and just say that I deeply relate to what she wrote. She also talks about how the New Moon is about what ... truth -- and that's what started this dang blog post. And one final note - I discovered all these new people and blogs this week.

P.S. I realize in my last post covering our Arizona road trip I said I would post a video of the forest we drove through in the high plains of Arizona but as the Resting Nomad said in her post I linked to: ..."Till that subject arises, I can only allow what is moving within me in the moment of NOW to flow out of me and flourish."

From the Sonoran Desert Through the Mountains and Forests to the Northern Verde Valley in Sedona

2013-01-08T20:17:00.002-06:00

I've talked about the magic of the Arizona desert before. It is magic and it is dangerous. It is quiet and like being inside of a living painting. It is the perfect place to space out. The wind just seems to carry off any stress-inducing thoughts and dissipates them into nothingness. Once your head is clear then you have space for creative ideas, pure positivity, and the time and gumption to ponder thoughts until the cows come home.

We started in Fountain Hills and road tripped our way through small towns Black Canyon City, Payson, Pine, and Strawberry (among others) to land in Sedona a few hours later. We hit a couple small snowstorms along the way, expanding on the magic and power of nature. It is humbling.

We went from desert lowland in the valley, etched with cactus and gritty, pebbled sand to climbing mountains, furried green and round. For a stretch it seemed that we were in the real America -- whatever that is but it seemed like a more innocent time and unwithered place where most people had a strength of character and respect for life. The mountains formed a barrier and ruled the roost. The road was narrow and long and the land on either side of that stretch was occasionally dotted with cows.

When we reached high plains we could look out over plateaus in a distance that was immense. It was a history lesson. Traveling higher, we wound through a forest (video to follow in the next blog post) and reached what I know now as the peak in our adventure. It looked and felt like I was literally level to the horizon. An untouched blanket of snow formed a panorama around us and the landscape was similar to that of the Texas Hill Country area.

Eventually, after numerous stops to photograph what caught our eyes and a visit to a wonderful antique shop we landed in Sedona, a 360 degree view of multi-colored and jagged red rock sandstone formations and deep southwestern colors.

The change in the landscape from the Sonoran Desert through the mountains and forest to the Northern Verde Valley in Sedona is powerful.

Death in the desert. I love it.

Crazy - a dead Saguaro cactus. Looks like a deflated cartoon character.

A white horse! A freaking magic unicorn high up in the distance! Mustangs! Wild, wild horses. Could drag me away.

El Encanto. Great Mexican in Fountain Hills.

We look forward to seeing Stephanie each time we visit Sofrita, our favorite restaurant in Fountain Hills. Lovely tapas. Stephanie is also a talented singer/songwriter. Check her out at kniffinmusic.com

Yes, there is a lake in the desert.

Amara Resort and Spa

Clear Creek Trading Company

From the Sonoran Desert Through the Mountains and Forests to the Northern Verde Valley in Sedona

2013-01-08T20:17:00.000-06:00

Death in the desert. I love it.

Crazy - a dead Saguaro cactus. Looks like a deflated cartoon character.

A white horse! A freaking magic unicorn high up in the distance! Mustangs! Wild, wild horses. Could drag me away.

El Encanto. Great Mexican in Fountain Hills.

Sofrita. Our favorite restaurant in Fountain Hills. Lovely tapas. We look forward to seeing Stephanie each time we visit. She's also a talented singer/songwriter. kniffinmusic.com

Yes, there is a lake in the desert.

What I'm Showing at E.A.S.T. 2012 ... and some Why.

2012-11-16T19:55:00.000-06:00

Hello!

I hope everyone is happy, healthy, and enjoying the season. I recently spent some time in Cleveland with my mom and was able to experience a true fall, where the red, orange, yellow, and green leaves on massive trees glow vibrantly in the sunshine as the seasons turn. I also visited Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. Ohio, in its post-industrial and depressed middle American state, still has nuggets of beauty and prosperity set against an overall backdrop of a wonderfully photographic gritty existence.

I brought some of those images to exhibit in E.A.S.T., (East Austin Studio Tour) which started last weekend and will continue this weekend, Saturday and Sunday (November 17-18) from 11am-6pm. I hope you can stop by to say hello, drink cheap vino, grab some snacks and check out a nice mix of art photography at Juju Foto Factory. We are destination H45 on the E.A.S.T. map. 2235 E. Sixth Street, just past Robert T. Martinez if you are heading east on E. Sixth.

The collection I'm showing is a combination of organic landscapes and urban landscapes - always a magnetic juxtaposition in my daily life. Attached are some samples of what I have at the show. I have work priced from $5-$200, so there's something for every budget. I also have older work from my traveling adventures in Europe, including b+w archival images I custom printed in the darkroom. I really wanted to make artwork accessible to everyone so I have great deals (i.e. 1 for $50 or 2 for $80 and a wide variety of subjects.

If you would like to learn more about the group I'm showing my work with, Austin Art Photography, or need detailed directions click here.

Thank you to those of you who have already made it by the foto factory. I very much appreciate your support. I would love to see more of you! This will be the last weekend until next year. If you haven't yet experienced E.A.S.T., it's a great way to explore Austin, see what local talent is up to, get good eats & drinks on the east side, discover up & coming artists, and find affordable, unique treasures for yourself, your home, and as Christmas gifts.

Love and light,

Tara

And here's some stuff I thought about showing in the exhibition but, you know, editing ...

www.taracucciaphotography.blogspot.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tara-cuccia-photography-austin
www.facebook.com/taracucciaphotography

www.etsy.com/taracucciaphoto
www.instacanv.as/taracucciaphoto
www.twitter.com/taracucciaphoto
www.linkedin.com/in/taracuccia
www.taracucciaphoto.tumblr.com
www.pinterest.com/taracucciaphoto
www.followgram.me/taracucciaphoto

E.A.S.T. 2012

2012-11-14T16:33:00.001-06:00

from juju foto factory blog:

this year during e.a.s.t. we host “optics” a group gallery show presented by austin art photography

juju foto factory
2235 east sixth street, suite 101
austin, texas 78702 (map)

we are stop H45 on the tour map

exhibition dates:
november 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 2012
11am – 6pm

about the austin art photography group
Austin Art Photography was founded by Ricardo Acevedo of R/aWorks Creative in February of 2012 with the intent of creating a collective of a vast range of fellow creatives in the photographic field. Formed earlier this year it is still in fledgling form but is rapidly expanding it’s wings. Serving as an arena for peers to bounce ideas, questions and new work off of each other they gather motivation, insight and knowledge of an evolving medium in which each is passionate about. There are many lenses through which life can be viewed and each individual brings their perspective in the raw, gritty, somber, vibrant, soothing, shocking and clear voice of their own.

Diversity of technique, style and vision is quickly evident within the group. We encompass everyone from highly skilled professionals with many years of experience to those just starting out and those in between. Austin Art Photography is not just a group of photographers who just happen to be exhibiting our work together, we are a group that supports each other in the differences within the art. As Oscar Wilde said, “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known. ” Our cameras are the common denominator with which we choose to speak, what we each have to say is quite varied though.

Optics is an invitation to foray into the printed form of light and vision as seen by each artist as they have continuously strived for further culmination within their own body of work. What will grab your eye? Will it be the sublime, the surreal, the scenic?

…Stop in to view the kaleidoscopic array offered, a veritable playground for your eyes and mind awaits.

participating photographers
ricardo acevedo
hans bauer
neil coleman
deborah kirksey coley
tara cuccia
eric debris
mark heaps
ed lehmann
cynthia lively
jermiah newton
mona pitts
michael reeves
john stekl
raphael umscheid
zacharia xacian

more about e.a.s.t.
The East Austin Studio Tour is a self-guided tour and celebration of east Austin’s creative culture. E.A.S.T is a free nine day event, spanning across two weekends. The tour is an annual tradition and opportunity to explore the vibrant energy of east Austin, the work of hundreds of artists in their studios, gallery spaces, and a number of exciting art events.

Edgewater, Lake Erie

2012-10-24T11:23:00.001-05:00

Strolls in misty weather along the murky water's edge, bonfires at dusk, pounds of thin, broken shells piled up in clusters, twigs arranged in patterns by strangers, professions of love carved into rocks, abandoned belongings. Closed for the season.

Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge

2012-09-18T13:45:00.000-05:00

black and white film images of NYC

To make these images I used my manual Leica R8, 35mm camera. I used Ilford HP5 Plus film to get well-separated mid-tones for proper and detailed exposure. I was able to get fine grain where I wanted and heavy grain for certain shots. I love how dynamic film is. It's also very sensitive. I can immediately tell when a printed image was made using film -- there's such a personal quality and a certain depth you can't get elsewhere. Makes my heart happy! Some of these will be in my Etsy shop, soon. Feel free to post in the comments or DM me @ taracphoto@me.com if you have any questions, comments, etc. in the meantime!

For more photos of NYC, click here and here.

Signs, Buildings, Colors, Dark Alleys, and Things

2012-09-12T17:41:00.001-05:00

Adventures in Coffee

2012-09-07T11:11:00.000-05:00

Ran out of espresso beans so I went on one of my morning drives to Progress. I kept it short and sweet this time and just shot a couple things on the way there rather than creeping through east of downtown like I often do... Because I have things to do today -- I was really excited to get home and make that coffee and we may be heading to Barton Springs -- happy Friday! Love Austin!

BUT if you are interested in following my espresso project, MENH, My Espresso in Its Native Habitat, you can catch up here, on Instagram.

As you can see, I discovered that Kaos DJ Mike Danger has an alter ego or a cousin. On another note - one of his bands, The Knocked Out Stiffs, is playing tonight at Emo's East, along with Pocket FishRmen, Brewtality Inc., The Chumps, and Sabbath Crow. Wow, writing all that just made me realize what a great show this is going to be!

No Coffee for the Wicked

2012-09-03T10:52:00.001-05:00

Hmph.

Baby's Birthday: Ella Turns One!

2012-08-24T15:04:00.000-05:00

What a great time little Ella had! I wonder if she was trying to figure out what all this was about or if she could care less ... all eyes on her, lots of presents, lots of colors, a delicious peach cake she devoured, and swimming! What a doll. I love her.

Local Color

2012-08-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

It happened because I was out of espresso that morning so I went downtown to pick up mah beans from Progress Coffee. It's one of the best coffee spots in Austin! Check it out: Progress Coffee. I took the long way home.

San Antonio Weekender

2012-07-23T13:07:00.001-05:00

We made a little weekend trip to San Antonio because the band in which Mike plays bass, Brewtality Inc., had a show at The White Rabbit. Brewtality Inc. is a good time, punk rock/rock 'n roll drinking band - always fun and always reminds me of being a bad ass in my twenties! I get chills now at least once during their set, remembering good times and just enjoying my friends. xo! Awesome group of dedicated, sweetie pie guys!

We stayed at El Tropicano on the Riverwalk. It's a 50's tiki lounge-style hotel. It has tons of potential but it's definitely lacking in service, amenities, and a touch of class. Apparently it's been remodeled so I can't imagine what a shithole it must have been prior to the rennovations. It's fine if you can appreciate a trip back in time and an unintentional nod to all things seedy but not if you're looking for something more upscale. That said, it makes me think of old Hollywood glam (think Rat pack in Vegas or the Cuban equivalent lounge singer in Miami) but, again, they need some help.

Healthful Mind = Healthful Eating

2012-07-17T18:05:00.001-05:00

I've been getting creative again with cooking. Since I started cooking when I got to college it's always been super relaxing and a creative outlet. However, it comes in phases depending on a few things. If I'm busy and/or tired I'll sometimes go through a thing where I don't do it as often. If I'm not into it, I won't do it because I just can't do anything creative that I'm not feeling. And food is love so if there's no love, just forget it! Who wants less than that in their food?

Recently, I was really stressed at work because I'd been dealing with an endlessly negative person who was extremely calculating, beyond micro-managing, and just didn't really understand the nature of online marketing and social media, let alone my role and how to be creative in a valuable way that complemented the business. Despite having 15 years of marketing, media, and communications experience and forging successful cross-promotional relationships and integrated marketing campaigns for brands and organizations, no matter what I suggested or created was acceptable or a good idea. Needless to say, I lost my appetite.

It's amazing how negativity can drag us down even when we can recognize that it has nothing to do with us. It's really hard to separate from that energy when you are in a position when you have to deal with it regularly in your work environment. It's counterproductive, distracting, and plain horrible. If you have tried everything you can to make things work, understand the other person's work style and make compromises to no avail, it's time to move on. If you no longer can grow and feel productive, it's time to move on. Whatever you have to do, it's not worth it to stay in a situation that isn't healthy. Believe me, it will take its toll on you mentally and then physically.

My point, besides the fact that this blog is to share my thoughts, experiences, and opinions mainly through imagery and some less-than-perfect writing, is that there is no separating mental health and physical health. If you're not in a good mental space, you can't eat well. And vice versa. If you eat crappy foods, you'll likely get lethargic, need more food to feel energized ... and it's a vicious cycle.

Enough of that ... I'm here to share some concoctions with you and to say that it is such a relief that creativity is flowing again now that I'm back in a healthy environment. That negativity is blinding, I tell you. When I was younger, I had no problem turning negativity into creativity but now that doesn't really work for me. I feed off of positivity. Negativity does not inspire me.

*reality and sarcasm are exceptions

So now - here's some healthful stuff! I've listed out ingredients you'll need for each recipe but I suggest every spice cabinet have sea salt, grey salt (or sal de gris), Himalayan salt, Hawaiian salt, kosher salt...I use them all differently and anything is better than iodized table salt. That stuff is the crap that causes problems whereas natural, unprocessed salt is actually good for you - it has minerals and is revitalizing.

Top: Greek yogurt with raspberries and strawberries, topped with coconut oil, cacao nibs, cinnamon, pinch of cayenne pepper, and a drizzle of honey.

Yogurt = promotes healthy bacteria (probiotics) in the body and eases digestion; also has same benefits of milk but easier to digest

Berries = contain flavonoids that may help fight cancer; calcium, potassium, natural sugars (energy boost), vitamin C (strengthens immune system), fiber, antioxidants (fight inflammation & damaging molecules)

Cacao = raw, unlike processed chocolate antioxidants are preserved at higher levels; improving hear & cardiovascular system, dissolves plaque build up in arteries, naturally lowering blood pressure. It also enhances mood and brain function. Read up on this and learn about the differences between cacao & chocolate with sugar & dairy.

Cinnamon = improves circulation, used as remedy for diabetes to lower blood sugar, indigestion, & colds.

Cayenne = anti-inflammatory, cleansing, detoxifying, stimulates circulation & neutralizes acidity

Honey = anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, healing, rejuvenation; local, raw honey can help combat allergies

Coconut oil = anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, healthy fat source that helps balance cholesterol levels, reduce stress, and maintain proper digestion

Watermelon, coconut water and mint juice with Himalayan salt

Watermelon (4 nice big triangles) = refreshing, high water content, natural sugars for summer pick me up, also contains lycopene, which helps fight against cancer

Coconut water (about 1 cup) = nature's energy drink (helps with stomach aches & hang overs!)

Mint (1 sprig) = soothing, also helps with stomach ache

Himalayan salt (10-20 crystals -- don't worry, they are like little rocks so you will be able to count them out) = since it isn't processed like table salt, it is free of toxins and maintains natural minerals

6 ice cubes & blend!

Plum jam = great way to use fruit that has ripened a little past perfect or if you know it won't get eaten before it goes bad.

You'll need:

Plum

Raspberries

Water

Lemon or Orange

Honey or Agave Nectar

Cut up plum into bite size pieces and throw into a sauce pan with 1/2 cup of water. If you have raspberries, throw in a small handful. Add 1 tbs of honey or 3 tsp of agave nectar (much sweeter than honey) and bring to a slow boil and then simmer. Add 1/2 lemon or orange, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency. Should be jam-like & maintain a few chunks (we're not making jelly here). The citrus acts as the gelatin, helping it to thicken and will lighten up the taste, lending a freshness to your jam. You can also add herbs if you like - rosemary or basil would go nicely with this. Just add a stem (probably 1/4 stem per 1 fruit if you use rosemary because it is strong).

King's Breakfast. This one is easy.

You'll need:

Flatbread or Naan (can buy anywhere)

Goat Cheese

Egg

Arugula

Fresh Chives and Basil

Apple Cider Vinegar

Heat up your oven, indoor grill, or whatever you'll use to heat the flatbread. Mix herbs of your choice into some goat cheese (I used garlic chives and basil from my planters in the back yard). Let sit while you poach your egg. Crack your egg into a small bowl, being careful not to break the yolk. Don't boil the water you are poaching in; just heat it until you start to see tiny pre-bubbles starting to form and then turn down the heat a bit. And here is the greatest tip ever for poaching an egg: add a splash (1 tsp) of vinegar (whatever you have on hand -- I use apple cider vinegar, which has some nicer properties than plain white vinegar) to hot water and gently stir the water, creating a tornado effect. Gently drop your egg into the eye of the tornado and leave it alone for about 4 minutes. The vinegar (and tornado) help keep the egg white from separating from the yolk. While the egg is cooking, heat your flatbread so that it is slightly crispy or carmelized but still soft overall. You can use a slotted spoon to gently lift the egg out of the water and ever so lightly push on the yolk to see if it's cooked to your liking. There is nothing more disappointing than an overcooked poached egg; it should feel kind of like a waterbed and be runny like a sunny-side-up! Spread the goat cheese onto your bread, top with arugula, and add your egg w/salt + pepper to taste. Served with mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) & plum.

Just Breakfast.

You'll need:

Egg

Potato

Ciabatta Bread

Black Truffle Butter

Fresh Basil

Follow the same instructions to poach an egg as above. You can fry or scramble your eggs, too. Whatever you like. To make the hashbrowns, I used half of a russet potato that was on hand but you can whatever you like. (Red potatoes have more nutritional value.) I put it in the Cuisinart using the grater attachment but if you don't have one, just use a coarse cheese grater. Toss the potato strips with salt + pepper and make sure you use a non-stick pan to pan fry them. Coat the bottom of the pan with an oil that has a high heat index (peanut, canola, or grapeseed), spread the potatoes evenly and thinly to distribute across the pan and cook on medium-high heat until you see the top is becoming translucent and the bottom is golden brown, then flip. While one side is cooking prepare your egg. This is also a poached egg so you can follow the same deal as above. Use a nice artisan bread like ciabatta and grill it on your grill pan or George Forman. I didn't lightly brush it with olive oil like I normally would before grilling because I spread black truffle butter on it once it's nice and toasty. Add a few basil leaves and top with your egg.

*If your egg finishes cooking before your potatoes, just take it out of the water with the slotted utensil and let sit until you are ready to serve. Don't discard the water. Turn off the heat and cover your pot then you'll just add your egg back to the water for about 45 seconds or so to heat thru right before you serve.

Again, a poached egg. My lovely friend Michelle turned me onto this easy breakfast. The "bread" is actually a raw nut bar. You can find them at Whole Foods, Central Market, Wheatsville, or online @ www.goraw.com Top it with your poached egg, add salt + pepper.

This is a veggie coconut curry I made.

You'll need:

Broccoli

Carrots

Shitake Mushrooms

Fresh Basil

Fresh Chives or Scallion

Coconut Milk (don't get the "lite"; it's lame)

Sesame Oil

Fish Sauce

Garlic

Ginger

Steam broccoli & carrots. While they're steaming, lightly saute garlic (1 clove), ginger (1/2 tbs), and shitake mushrooms in coconut oil in a saucepan. Add can of coconut milk, fresh chives, and basil, a couple splashes of fish sauce, 1/2 tbs sesame oil, stir and you're ready. Can eat like soup or over brown rice.

*Ginger fights heart disease and arthritis; used to treat nausea, digestive problems, and colic

I'll just give you the link to this Bobby Flay jerked chicken recipe. It was awesome. And, yes, it is worth it to make the bbq sauce from scratch! It's really easy.

These are gluten-free pizzas. Before you start, make sure you have all your flour substitutes & baking ingredients.

Ingredients for Toppings:

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh Basil

Good Olive Oil

Yellow Onion

Prosciutto

Goat Cheese

Garlic

The left is a pizza margherita = fresh buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, salt + pepper. I found the pizza crust recipe on a gluten-free/dairy-free blog I often get recipes from. First cook the crust, then add toppings (except the basil; add that last) & stick under the broiler for about a minute. Keep an eye on it because it can burn quickly under such high heat. Lightly drizzle some really good olive oil and the fresh herbs gluover the tops when done. The pizza on the right is a mediterranean pizza = carmelized onions (cook with a decent size pinch of dried oregano, thyme, & lavender). Also, roasted garlic, prosciutto, and goat cheese. Add a bit of fresh chopped oregano & coarse black pepper on top after cooking.

Stuffed pepper = Quick & easy recipe where you can really throw together whatever you have on hand to make it.

You'll need:

Bell Pepper

Brown Rice

Pumpkin Seeds

Goji Berries (could substitute with raisins)

Crema Fresca (optional if you're not doing dairy)

Chives or scallions

Broccoli (you could use zucchini or yellow squash instead)

Grapeseed or Canola Oil

Cut the top off the bell pepper & carefully cut out the fleshy parts & seeds inside. Lightly coat a bell pepper (whatever you prefer - green, yellow, red, orange) with olive oil and roast in the oven at 350 until golden brown but still holds its shape for stuffing - about 20 minutes, I suppose. Cook brown rice while your pepper(s) are roasting. Add to rice mixture: palmful of goji berries, steamed broccoli, roasted pumpkin seeds, anything that sounds good - I had some pulled pork left over that I added to Mike's. Mix together with a little bit of grapeseed or canola oil to add some moisture to the rice. Top with crema fresca & fresh chopped herbs (chives, parsley, cilantro, for example). Crema fresca is like sour cream or creme fraiche, only thinner in consistency. Still has a rich flavor but is slightly lighter.

*Goji Berries have super high levels of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and lots of amino acids and trace minerals

Grilled corn = keep the corn in their husks so that they'll steam on the grill and won't get dried out. Just run them under water for a few seconds before you throw on the grill.

You'll need:

Corn

Cotija Cheese (or Queso Fresco)

Crema Fresca

Chili Powder

Cayenne Pepper

Lime (optional)

Once you get your grill going, this takes about 20 minutes, I guess. You don't have to do anything to them, just throw 'em on the grill and turn once or twice. When they're done, here are the toppings: queso fresco (like a farmers cheese; mild flavor, kind of like mozarella) or cotija cheese (Mexican equivalent of parmesan or Pecorino Romano, probably closer to the latter). I used cotija. Chili powder, cayenne pepper, crema fresca. Douse the corn with the dry ingredients as you turn it to coat all sides. Crumble the cheese on top and drizzle with crema fresca. Squirt a little lime to finish it off. Soo delicious!

This is another gluten/dairy-free recipe from the Gluten Free Goddess blog. I think it's some variation of this chocolate muffin recipe.

Something about ingredients: I use coconut palm sugar instead of white or turbinado sugar. It's not as sweet and better for you. Also, where salt is concerned in cooking I use sea salt and kosher salt but keep in mind, you'll use less of it because these unprocessed salts are much stronger in flavor. I also use Himalyan salt, Hawaiian salt, grey salt, and fleur de sal as finishing flavor once food is fully prepared. I wouldn't suggest actually "cooking" with them, they're meant to be used in their raw forms.

Something about measurements: As you may have noticed, I sort of wing it when it comes to amounts of ingredients ... unless it involves baking. I'm really sort of a horrible baker and that stuff is way more scientific and exacting than regular cooking. Anyway, if you have questions about actual amounts, cooking times, etc. ask and I'll buck up and be more specific. xo

Gourdough's Doughnuts

2012-07-11T13:59:00.001-05:00

http://www.gourdoughs.com/
"Big. Fat. Doughnuts." - they are and it doesn't sound like a bad idea at all right now! I've had 4 out of however many they have on the menu - chocolate coconut (I don't see it on the menu anymore), cinnamon sugar (Naughty & Nice), maple bacon (Flying Pig), and Mama's Cake. Still plenty to try! I've really been drooling over the idea of the fried chicken with honey butter (Mother Clucker - the name doesn't get any better). Fresh doughnuts to order - love it! I just wish the ingredients were organic, free range, local & all that good stuff. Still, it's a great idea and I get excited each time I make going a reality. Can't wait to take my mom here when she visits during the cooler months!