THE HUNGRY MOTHER

Tuesday, 10 August 2010

Sunday, 08 August 2010

  • Mornin' Sunshine

    SQUIRREL!! ....  A neck lurching, with a sharp turn of the head, held at attention for a lengthy period of time....the moment passes, the squirrel is gone from sight.

    For those of you who HAVEN'T seen the charming animated movie "Up", it's beyond fabulous.  Each character's look, movements and gesticulations captured by the folks at PIXAR® is genius, pure genius.  I used to catch all these animated flicks simply because I had kiddos at home but this movie was actually recommended to my husband and I, just to watch on our own and we love it.  Anyhow, there are side splitting moments involving "dogs and squirrels."  Myself a long time dog keeper of large hunting type breeds, squirrels and birds have captured their eye for a chase more than anything else.

    On numerous occassions, I've attempted to shoo squirrels away from my birdfeeders before they consume all the seeds.  It's difficult to do though as I am provided never ending entertainment of circus like feats of flying through the air to get the muchy prize they're after.  I've caught several hanging upside down in bat mimicking hilarity - dangling from a branch to reach the seed tray.  They've done me no favors by breaking several favorite hand blown glass feeders over the  years.  Thus, I've learned that while beautiful hanging in a shop, it's better to stick with functional and inexpensive feeders.

    This growing season, the ornery critters have done me a tremendous favor.  I have sunflowers in full bloom all over my garden.  It's glorious to wake up to each morning.  I didn't have to plant them and I don't have to water or fertilize them which I love.  All that is required of me is to enjoy them and to think I tried chasing the squirrels away from all these areas in my garden while they sat all chubby cheeked, munching away on seeds.  So CHEERS!  Here's to breathing in and breathing out and simply...enjoying beauty today and saying, "Mornin', sunshine!" 

    CLICK ON ALBUMS ABOVE TO VIEW PICS OF THESE SUNNY GIFTS! 

Saturday, 07 August 2010

  • What Say You, Sugar Britches?

    Repeat these four words after me.  High Fructose Corn Syrup.  It is in nearly every packaged, processed food item in the grocery isles.  Today while at our local store, I discovered it's even listed as one of the ingredients in many of the multivitamins I was looking to purchase.  A person could go batty just trying to find a snack item to enjoy that is free of excessive amounts of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, sodium, artificial flavors and colors.  I don't do batty.  I just do the best I can - moderation and all.  

    I had always prided myself believing that my husband and I raised our children on what we considered to be a healthy balanced diet.  Sometimes we said yes to snacks & sweets that when overindulged in, would most definitely not be considered healthy.  We were fortunate to have escaped food allergies in our family as well.  As parents, we are bombarded with decisions on our children's behalf.  Many times due, in part, to advertising.  Every time a parent finds themselves saying no to a child, it's another let down, another way that a parent has to feel bad about not making that child happy. Well, I say, my kids didn't like it when I told them they couldn't play with knives but I didn't let it get to me.  Saying no and setting limits which I thought were completely in line was never a problem for me and I started doing both when the children were teeny tiny.  For me, it just worked.  It set a tone of no nonsense confidence that my children respected and I hope when they're older will come to have a true appreciation for.  

    Children need for parents to have their backs regarding diet, whether they know it or not.  Whether they appreciate it or not.  Children also need for their parents to set a good example with their own habits - they are watching and listening!  CARBS,  such as the real food ones, like, fruits and vegetables aren't the enemy.  Too much sugar, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, is.  With the first two, in high amounts, you're sent into a high with a brutal downward spiral low and then you're brain sends messages that more is needed.  Then more, starting a vicious cycle.  With excessive artificial sweeteners, one can develop severe gastrointestinal problems, headaches and various allergic reactions.   I ought to know as I have allowed it to happen to myself and it's a wicked, wicked ride that doesn't want to stop so you can get off.  My favorite indulgances were alcohol and ice cream.  Sugar highs make it difficult to concentrate & focus.  The low leaves me with an aching head and feeling lethargic and sugar, combined with lack of regular exercise is the top contributer to weight gain.  Sugar.  Not Fat & not carbs.  After two weeks of regulating my sugar intake I feel better focused with fewer headaches, though I know I will  need more time with this personal journey limiting my sugar intake so I can make it a life habit.  So this former sugar britches says CHEERS!  Here's to finally having my own back and displaying behavior that I hope my children will be proud of.  It's never too late.

        

Friday, 06 August 2010

  • Spanx , for the Memories ...

     

    Wanda Sykes' new HBO special called Ima Be Me is too damned hilarious to be missed.  For those who don't subscribe to HBO, you MUST see if you can find it on Hulu, order it on DVD if it's been released or from Netflix, if available.  The moment in her routine where she tells the audience about her midsection, whom she now famously refers to as "Esther, Esther Roll (Or spelled Rolle for those of you who remember the actress who played "Wheezy", Louise Jefferson on The TV show The Jeffersons).  The routine follows Esther's naughty escapades and how she loves bread and alcohol.  Esther's got to have the bread and alcohol and therefore must be controlled by the evil Spanx®!  My husband and I were rolling around in laughter so hard I didn't need the Spanx®, I needed a Depends®!!!  It feels so good to laugh till your sides hurt, I highly recommend it.

    I had never heard of Spanx®, until last summer.  It's ladies underthings that hold one in tight, damn tight.  It's worn underneath clothing so nothing jiggles, rolls are instantly smoothed and breathing becomes an inconvenience that can wait.  Oh, and once on, don't consume too much liquid so no removal of the garment is necessary until it's comin off for good.  Trust me on this.  For those who don't remember the girdle, that only came in white, Spanx®  garments are modern day girdle goods that are available in a multitude of colors for the hips, bum, thighs, breasts and that pesky back fat caused by some bras.  Or is it bread and alcohol, I can't remember.   The products work well but personally, I'm relieved I haven't had an occasion to wear mine again.  They are beloved by we bodacious babes as well as the more svelte gals, so I've heard.  We all want to look our best and appearing smooth and put together is sizeless.

    For now, I'm just hangin out all natural and my Spanx® can hang out in my closet.   I'll be eating light and trimming up, so CHEERS!  Till we meet again and Spanx®,  for the Memories.

      

     

     

Thursday, 05 August 2010

  • Rock, Paper, Scissors

    "What we need here is more cowbell!  I won out.  Scissors cuts paper, so it's your turn."  

    Sounds like the banter between two ten year olds rather than husband and wife.  Alas, no.  Those were the words that loudly escaped my mouth this evening when it came to deciding which one of us would wear the chefs hat.  Rock, Paper, Scissors, while an immature tool for adults, has proven quite effective for solving many a household dilemma over the years.  

    Out are the gargantuan suppers when all of our children were living at home.  These days it is more often a table for two, with both my husband and myself interested in keeping the menu light.  Quick and simple, yet restaurant execution cooking is my husband's speciality.  Hanging out at the open fridge door, Wes asked, "How about a yummy omelette with mushrooms and onions?"  How bout you make my rockin world go round!  Yes, sounds yummy.  Quickly worrying about the cheese that is synonymous with an omelette AND an unwanted addition to my bountiful bootae,  we decided to add a smaller amount rather than omit it.  I am choosing to be grateful for the healthy food and how it nourishes me, rather than view it as good v. bad.  My sweet hubby was the bright spot in a day frought with stumbles.  The t-shirt he had on when I arrived home said it all.  PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS. 

    CHEERS!  Here's to being loved, and to love, in return.

    FOR PICS OF THE CHEF & HIS OMELETTE IN PROGRESS, click on albums above. 

Wednesday, 04 August 2010

  • Waitin on the Afternoon Train

    It was a goshdern long day that I thought would end poorly just cause it was such a goshdern long day.  My head hurt and I wanted to get home to my family.   I get caught up waitin on a train three to five times per week.  Usually on my way in to work.  Today, on my way home from work.  Same tracks, different day, each time with something new to see.  A dragonfly zooming past my windshield, the railroad worker coupling cars, the elusive red fox darting across a field.  This afternoon I sat waitin on the train for 27 minutes.  Dropping off cars one a time to a nearby plant.  What's your rush?  I keep a sketch pad to draw and my latest read with me always.

    I turned off my engine and stepped outside.  The sky was darkening quickly with rumbling in the distance, the air was heavy and smelled of fresh rain. More rumbling, then another noise caught my attention.  The rustling of the corn in the field next to me.  The backdrop of the dark mountains with the stark green of the corn was so beautiful.  The temptation to nab a few ears for supper faded quickly and I just wanted to lay down in the field to rest.

    I started to ponder all the recipes I know that call for corn.  I recalled one of the best meals I had ever eaten on a summer evening - corn and shrimp chowder.  It was delectable, with a yukon gold potato base and the corn HAS to be fresh off the cob, no cheatin!  My other favorites are a homeade corn salsa, succotash and our family favorite made every Thanksgiving, cornbread casserole.  The day didn't end poorly after all.   Oh, I DO love sweet corn season and it'll be gone before the train moves on.  CHEERS!  Please pass the butter & salt.

    PHOTOS OF WAITIN ON THE TRAIN - CLICK ON ALBUMS ABOVE

    Tell me your favorite memories of corn fields, growing corn or just plain chowin down on the sweet stuff 

Tuesday, 03 August 2010

  • The Pink Pig

    I met the bane of my teenage existence one early morning in 1975.

    I opened the fridge to grab milk for my breakfast cereal and froze.  My mouth agape.  I was either experiencing my first delusional moment or I had actually heard the oink, oink of a pig.  Yes ladies and gentlemen, a pink, plastic pig sat perched on the top shelf staring back at me.  I closed the door.  Silence.  I opened the door - annoying oinking.  I closed the door.

    In walks my father who must have had a similar experience earlier that same morning.  With a knowing look on his face, he began to chuckle and shake his head.  Though the exact purpose of the pigs presence still eluded me -  at that moment, I knew that my mother, who struggled with her weight was at the bottom of the light activated pink pig.

    I quickly learned that the pig was touted as a magical diet tool.  It did your thinking for you.  Humans being void of free will and all.  With each crack of the refrigerator door, one is shamed into starvation at the trough!  Hilarious memory?  Yes, if I don't look back too long and stare.  Sad?  Yes, there is that too.  Curious, I googled two words this morning.  PINK PIG.  Sure enough, the refrigerator pig is alive and well all these decades later and only $19.95.  One of the many nonsensical dietary tools folks will turn to out of sheer frustration and desperation, temporarily losing all rationale in the process. 

    Tonight, I will remain more than sane and delight in consuming a one word food while "thinking pink".  Salmon.  Grilled and perfect for pigging out on.  CHEERS!  Here's to living free of shame and guilt.

Monday, 02 August 2010

  • Kickin' Up Dust

     "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?"     -  Satchel Paige

    Longevity baby, that's what I'm talkin about.  Healthy, happy longevity.  I am just at the tail end of the baby boomer generation and it's nice company to be in.  I plan to hang out all happy in my swimsuit & flipflops, shorts & tennies, skirt & birkenstocks, PJ's & slippers,  jeans & cowboy boots -  continuing to kick up dust with an attitude for decades to come.  My favorite pair of dungarees with holes in the knees are hangin in the closet, calling out to me to slip back into them one day soon.  It's a date.  In the meantime, I intend to accept myself as I am today.  It's no matter if I'm heavier than I'd like to be, have lines staring back at me in the mirror or that I've got gray streaks in my hair.  What matters is loving myself into wholeness.   

    Living unconsciously is not what I want.  Living vibrantly, energized and thriving is.  So, how old am I be?  I don't know...I guess we'll see.  CHEERS!  Here's lookin' at you, kid.

     

    CONCERT PICS ON ALBUMS   

Sunday, 01 August 2010

  • Everyone Needs a Little Space

     

    If a revelation smacks you in the head enough times so you hit the floor with a thud, did the deaf person inside you hear it?  Affirmative! 

    As a little girl, the gap in my front teeth didn't matter.  I spent many a joyous afternoon carving tooth designs into chocolate bars and apples.  At the community pool, I could spit a water stream so far it drew cheers.  I was too busy washing the mud off me at the end of the day to stare in the mirror and no one ever made an inconsiderate comment about it, so like I said, it didn't matter.  Enter the early teen years.  Time to head to the dentist to discuss braces.  That summer visit was the first anyone told me to consider having the space between my front teeth closed.  I'd thank him later and be happier later in life, don't you know!  I was even told that I was such an attractive young lady, that I should "give it serious consideration".  Well, the serious consideration apparently involved some minor surgery and stitches.  Forget that, I thought.  Stick the stupid braces on my teeth and we'll call it good. 

    The following Fall, I was thrilled to be in Mrs. Johnson's eighth grade French class.  I'd heard it was a fun class and she was a nice teacher.  When I walked into class the first day, she introduced herself and I smiled.  She bent down and whispered, "You have LES DENTS DE BONHEUR, young lady.  Lucky teeth."  Well, Mrs. Johnson was instantly an ethereal, smart, french speaking goddess as far as I was concerned, and thus, the gap was staying!  I was mortified, & slunk down in my desk seat in my high school world history class when Mr. Dodd mentioned to EVERYONE that in mideval times, one who was gap-toothed was viewed as possessing sexual prowess, with a bold, faithless nature who would experience travels far and wide.  Farther down I slunk.  He went on to inform the class that several tribes in Africa had kings who would not let their eldest sons marry a woman who was not gap-toothed because the gap was a sign of promised fertility.  That, in South America, lore had it that gap-toothed women were unreliable and could not keep a secret because it would escape between their teeth.   Shit, I'm doomed, I thought.   Bring on the dentist!

    Looking back, it saddens me to think of that particular dentists willingness to participate in a societal general conformity of an imperfection not to be tolerated, which is all too common.  I kept my gap.  With my impressionistic days of youth in the rearview mirror, my individuality has surfaced and I'm so pleased to meet her.  I'm ready to give her the big hug she deserves.  CHEERS!  To nonconformity.   Now, pass me that apple. 

    SEE APPLE PIC ON ALBUMS, ABOVE

     

Saturday, 31 July 2010

  • It's All Good!

    The sweet lyrical stylings of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young were serenading me this morning, telling me, "Don't let the past, remind of us of what we are not now...you are free."  It was so beautiful to hear and although I've always known that certain behaviors or acts do not necessarily define who we are, I once allowed perfectionism to adversely affect my mood when it came to cooking.  Then, something happened.  I had kids.  I spent the last 27 years with the most influential teachers about patience, kindness and "goin' with the flow" -  ever to come down the pike.  Not my early childhood school teachers.  Not the wise sage college profs.  For me, it's always been my children. 

    Some believe that those they perceive to be great cooks, never make a mistake.  One false move and the whole thing is ruined and all that.  I happen to believe the kitchen is one of the safer places for mishaps in life.  My cooking flubs were how I learned.  I discovered my likes, dislikes, bold experimentation, instant creativity and when presentation was truly important; how to keep it simple and go with the flow.  Fix the mistake if it can be fixed, metamorph the damn thing into something else or just chuck it in the trash and whip out the PB&J.

    No food mishap that I had ever experienced prepared me for ...  last summer!  On the day of our eldest daughter Jennifer's wedding, my husband Wes and I were rushing to finish the table set-ups and put the finishing touches on the wedding flowers.  In addition to offering to take care of those things for this DIY wedding, we were responsible for the wedding cake.  It was a destination wedding at my sister's place in Estes Park, so we had brought the wedding cake to the location and were keeping it refrigerated in the walk-in cooler at a friends' business.  A call came informing us that the cake had tipped over and that two of the four layers appeared to be unsalvageable.  Our only option was to work with the remaining 2 layers.  We were under a serious time crunch and barely had time to repair the frosting.  My husband rushed to pick it up and when I saw him pull up in the truck with it, we snuck it in the back door and set up cake repair camp on the washer & dryer in the laundry room.  I improvised and used all the champagne grapes, packages of blackberries, kiwi and candied mango that were intended for another use.  I surprised myself.  Rather than allow stress to consume me, my husband and I were doing the unthinkable.  Laughing!  We had so much fun plopping fruit all over that cake and rushing it out to the cake table to ooohs and aaahs with no one the wiser of our maniacal mishap.  Our daughter Jen and her fabulous new husband John, thought it was beautiful.  I smiled,  and recalled the phrase Jennifer frequently said growing up, "It's all good."  She's right.  Everything happens for a reason, turning out the way it's supposed to.  Best to enjoy and embrace the foibles and imperfections of our lives.  Cheers - here's to the mishaps becoming blessings!

    And remember, if you're responsible for that wedding cake...when all else fails, you can drink a toast to that back up sheet cake you were smart enough to order.pleased 

    CLICK ON ALBUMS ABOVE FOR SOME WEDDING PICS (Including the 2 layer, not 4 layer cake)

     

     

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