Every three months seems about right. Dang. How are you?
If you’re a fellow blogger or otherwise familiar with the WordPress platform, you know that you can see the daily traffic coming to your humble little blog laid out in a tidy bar graph. Even more humble: my heart in realizing that people continue to check back here to see what’s new. I wanted to post a link to the blog that I’ve been trying to focus a bit more on. I hope you’ll check it out. And check back often.
You know that old adage about not mixing business with pleasure? It goes along with the good advice to keep your personal life separate from your professional life and the equally admirable goal of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. There is a time and place for most everything and for the life of me (as I pretty much have since I started blogging) I can’t commit to writing strictly about one or the other (work or personal matters that is.) At times they are inseparable yet I’m inclined to focus on one lest this little blog become a collection of irrelevant rabbit trails with no real story or purpose. So, for the longest time I’ve been wringing my hands not necessarily over what to write but where to write it. A sentiment I’ve shared with you at least a half a dozen times. It’s entirely likely that I’ll never sort it out but I miss writing. And so here I am.
Lots of life has happened since my last post. New work (lots of work), a new relationship, a new couch (finally), and new adventures. I’m back at ballet on a regular basis, recently took my first trip to Yosemite, completed a six-week stage at a bakery at a San Francisco Top 100 Restaurant (where I met some very talented new friends), and enrolled in a five-week pastry course through French Culinary Institute that is set to start in January. The pictures in this post are from a quick trip I took last week to Carmel-by-the-Sea. I had a few days off, woke up last Wednesday morning and decided I needed to see something new. So with no real plan I packed an overnight bag and hopped in my car. I ended up in Monterey, strolled Cannery Row for about an hour and continued down Hwy 1 to Carmel. Up until this point I had intended to make the drive back to SF. Then I got to the end of Ocean Avenue. The sun was warm and the beach minimally populated with clean, soft sand. After a few hours stretched out on a blanket, I booked a hotel room. I was in need of some time to refresh, relax, pray, and just consider and be grateful for everything that has been going on with my work, in my relationships, and in my life lately. Have you ever done that? Had time and an adventure to yourself like that? I highly recommend it. It was my first time and I intend to make it happen on a regular basis. In any case, each of these experiences are a post unto themselves so we’ll have to talk about the details later.
Until then, hope you’re well.
Oh hey! I’ve obviously been off the radar lately. I’ve been meaning to check in for weeks so here’s a little sliver of what’s been going on. Work has (obviously) been crazy lately and will continue to be crazy at least through August. I’m hoping it never lets up! Feeling super blessed right now to be able to do what I love. On the not so bright side, I’ve been a little at odds with San Francisco for the past few weeks. I know, I know…I didn’t think my love affair with this city could ever be compromised but I fear I’m turning into a bitter city dweller and I don’t like it. Everything from parking to potholes to the guy at the gym on the treadmill next to me wearing too much aftershave just makes me want to….
I often envision myself freaking out on people in the moment. It’s terrible. I need a vacation. Any suggestions? I’d really love to see the East Coast. Boston. Maine. Maybe in September. Anyway, it’s gotten so bad that I’ve all but resigned to live my life through my Mac, purchasing everything I need from face lotion to bed sheets to new shoes online. All because the thought of giving up my precious parking spot only to fight my way through the streets to search for another one and interface with other bitter city dwellers is enough to make my eyelid twitch. I’m hoping it’s just a phase.
In a few weeks my mom will be here for a week-long visit. Perhaps that will help with my city aversion. Looking forward to exploring some little towns in the North Bay while in search of antiques and perhaps making a day trip to Big Sur.
This summer is overflowing with programming at Reality. I’ve got special events, bi-weekly meetings, and new projects keeping every seemingly free second filled.
Although I’m often dead on my feet by the end of the day and crawling into bed at 10 p.m. I’m seriously savoring every single day. I think back to those few months when I worked just a handful of days out of the month and nearly lost my mind. People were meant to work. Being busy motivates me to take on more, sparks new ideas, and actually makes me more productive.
So that’s the big stuff.
And with that little slice of life, a side of pie. Here’s a snapshot from my last test shoot. My first cherry pie…
Ugh. I’m ashamed to show my face here…it’s been nearly a month since my last post and I’m so embarrassed. I have lots to say and at the same time, nothing at all. Nothing really pertinently important anyways so I suppose that’s why I’ve had a hard time bringing myself to hammer out 500 words or so. Seems kind of silly when I put it in perspective like that. At this point, I suppose all I can do is beg your forgiveness, say a big thank you to those of you who graciously and patiently continue to follow, and offer an update. So, I’m sorry. And thank you. And here’s what’s happened in the past few weeks.
Long story short, work has been busy. I’m on hold or confirmed until the first week in September. Hooray! Fifty percent of that will likely ultimately fail to come to fruition but for the time being, it certainly throws a wrench in planning for summer travel.
A new roommate moved in on the first of May and we are going through the stages of settling in, getting to know each other, and establishing a new routine. So far I couldn’t ask for a smoother transition and I’m over the moon about paying half my rent.
I’ve been able to squeeze in a test shoot here and there, most recently at a photographer’s home in Napa. With a dog, a cat, a garden overwhelmed with vegetables and flowers, and a modest home bursting with character on a quiet street, I couldn’t help but covet the entire thing. The freshness in the air, the stillness of the afternoon, the driveway where I parked my car, and the space to move and breathe…it was like I’d suddenly snapped out of my “I love SF” trance. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I really am deeply in love with San Francisco and with so many aspects of life in the city. And it’s the right place for me right now. But it served to remind me that deep down, I am a small town girl and someday when the circumstances are right, I’ll rejoice at returning to that quiet life.
I spent the better part of last month preparing an elaborate dessert spread for a mock wedding shoot that took place in beautiful Calistoga. I’m still waiting on the final images from the photographer but have been scrambling to figure out how to really capitalize on this opportunity. Is it food styling related? Yes. Is that the best use the of the photographs? I think they lend themselves to promoting a potential hobby-on-the-side. Which I think I could really use for those weeks when work falls through and I’m twiddling my thumbs. So that’s really where most of my mental energy has gone these past several weeks. I’m so excited to share pictures with you. They are truly worth staying tuned for!
Tomorrow is the first day of a week-long cookbook project and I need my beauty rest so this one’s gonna have to be short and sweet. Looking forward to having some great stuff to share with you soon!
I love this picture…
It’s so comfy. So relaxed. So carefree. I could use a little of all of those mentalities right now. I had a mild panic attack this morning as I processed through all of the obligations I’ve said yes to in the past few weeks (even when deep down I knew I should’ve said no due to lack of time, money, know-how, experience, or what have you.) I’ve actually been told I’m a “yes” person, unable to decline. While I don’t think that’s entirely true, I suppose I could see where they’re coming from. And when it comes to work or testing opportunities, I am a yes person. Aside from work, I actually tend to resent commitment. Not major commitments like relationships or anything but minor commitments like weekly obligations or Saturday afternoon plans. Nine times out of ten I’ll come up with an excuse to get out of them. Fortunately that ugly habit doesn’t carry over to my work life. Without a doubt I couldn’t expect to last long in the industry if it did. So, the next two weeks are hard core follow through time and I wish I would have looked more realistically at what I was capable of committing to. Everything is worthwhile, beneficial, and exciting. Unfortunately, all things suffer when time and resources are spread too thin. But it’s too late for this go around. I’ll have to muster some serious savoir faire and know better for next time. Good thing I was forced into productivity today as I waited on a UPS delivery (that conveniently didn’t show up until after 5.) That delivery made those little tootsies above VERY happy: my new shoes, fresh from Pennsylvania. Finally! I wore them while I ate dinner, composed emails in bed, and while I brushed my teeth. I love them. I fear that deep down, something is changing: my affinity for shoes has been virtually non-existent up until this point but this expensive and all but superficial obsession is growing. Here’s hoping for an equally busy month in May to help support a new addiction.
Photography by the beautiful and talented Misty Schmidt.
What a day. Actually, what a week. I have so many incredible projects on my plate right now it’s killing me that I can’t devote 100 percent to everything. I suppose when all is said and done, that’s a good problem to have. Work this week has been crazy. I feel like I’ve cooked 10 times my weight in meat. Any cut you can think of from any animal you can imagine, I’ve cooked it this week. I feel as though I’m coated in a layer of grill grit. I tried to capture some of the chaos in the photo below but it really doesn’t do the absolute mess of a busy day of shooting justice. Somehow, in all this mess, quite a bit gets accomplished. The grill pan is smoking, the fryer has been on for hours, dishes are piled up in the sink, gadgets and food in mass quantities are everywhere, and the blender is coated in a sticky margarita mess. The photos (which turned out beautifully) are coming to a Black Angus Steakhouse near you!
I did happen to score a Beef Tenderloin longer than my arm from this shoot. Free food…one of many perks of my awesome job. This morning we were back at it for Safeway. Long, long days. It’s been beautifully sunny for weeks in SF but this morning brought a little shift in the weather and a quiet (and short lived) reminder to slow down for a moment. On the way to the studio it began to sprinkle. Odd because the sun was out. I looked twice for clouds above me: blue sky and sunshine. A few minutes later, it stopped altogether. Our workspace is a large corner studio facing the bay with 20 foot ceilings and windows that stretch for nearly 15 of those feet. It was just after 9 when a thick, misty, blue-grey fog rolled in and it really began to rain. It wasn’t a harsh rain but a quiet, steady one and it was the most beautiful scene. We put the rush of the morning on pause and instead watched the immense clouds roll across the water with hot cups of tea in hand. It was phenomenal. I wish I could say that the rest of the day was that relaxing but what can you do. It is, after all, work. In other news I’m on hold for my first job in L.A. Nothing’s for sure but if it comes through, it could be a great experience. I’m in the process of renewing my passport – I have high hopes for a trip to France in the next year. And finally, I made the most phenomenal dinner a few nights ago. The recipe is a the result of my “prep” (turned shop) day which left me with a ton of roasted tomatoes and a little inspiration from the latest issue from Bon Appetit magazine. Can I just say that few things excite me like opening my mailbox to a new magazine. It’s the little things I suppose. Anyway, here’s the recipe (with a few minor spins to accommodate my pantry)…
Cook off 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta (I used shells) in heavily salted water. While pasta cooks, heat a large saute over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon or two of oil, a few cloves of minced garlic (depending on your affinity for garlic), a can of chickpeas (rinsed and drained), a heaping teaspoon of smoked paprika, a large pinch of salt, and a some fresh ground pepper. Saute 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add a handful of slow-roasted tomatoes to the pan to heat through. In the meantime drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Add pasta to tomato mixture and stir. In a small bowl, whisk reserved cooking liquid with a half cup of prepared hummus. Pour over pasta mixture and stir to incorporate. Add more water if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. The finished recipe called for kalamata olives. Unfortunately I didn’t have any on hand. I stirred in a little touch of tapenade instead. Delish.
So I suppose the good thing about having a blog with an identity crisis is that no topic is off limits.
Even something as left field and superficial as a new pair of shoes I’m absolutely in love with. These are them…
On Friday I had stated my plan to cure my sniffles: a Saturday spent at home in the kitchen. I had truly intended to do just that even though Saturday morning is my time to meet up with Misty. We took an extra long while at the market (lots going on in life right now) and split just a little after one. Before hopping on the bus I decided to take a stroll through Anthropologie. I’m not really an “impulse buy” kind of girl but these really were love at first sight. And they make my feet feel like little princesses. A feeling that can no doubt restore one to good health. So I had to share them with you. I did eventually make it into the kitchen and the results are the subject of my next post. So, back to food next time. I hope you had an amazing weekend.
How? How does an entire week fly by so fast. Monday seems like just yesterday. I should really be dancing the night away at a birthday party right about now. But a 6 day work week, a nasty head cold, and lack of appropriate wardrobe (the theme is cowboys and Indians) has me staying in. Few things are more frustrating than relentless congestion and sneezing fits that have me seriously fearing I may pass out from hyperventilation at any moment. No one likes a drama queen. Ugh. Trying to work in that kind of miserable state is just that: miserable. Tomorrow is my one day to kick this ickiness to the curb. Another 6 day work week starts on Sunday. Tonight I got a jump start on the recovery process by relaxing in a hot bath with a glass of wine. So good. I took home gobs of food from work this week including a grocery bag overflowing with buttery brioche, more eggs than I know what to do with, strawberries, grapes, pineapple, greens, a dozen organic tomatoes and tons more. So it looks like a portion of tomorrow will be devoted to prep – utilizing all this good stuff before it goes bad. A little quality time in the kitchen can work wonders for all kinds of ailments. Well, it often seems to anyway. Think good health thoughts for me.
So good news! I survived the week of waffles. Now, from a week of editorial, I’ll shift to a week of advertising. Eleven hour days spent agonizing over the placement of a single kernel of corn or wether to use the white napkin or the cream-colored napkin (or maybe it should be purple?)
As you can probably gather, work has been ridiculously busy – when it rains it pours. Even the weekends are jam-packed with test days, social events and birthday celebrations, and church on Sunday mornings. Time really flies when you have, well, no time.
Coming off of a busy week that began the Thursday before, this past Friday was my one day to recuperate before heading into another equally busy weekend. The temperature in the city was in the upper 80′s so i did my best to take advantage of the sunshine. It was glorious. Friday was little more than laundry, the gym, to-do’s, sleep, and a long walk through the Marina. Saturday morning I met my former roommate for breakfast (a now weekly tradition.) We caught up on life over coffee and gigantic bowls of oatmeal with warm milk, honey, and fresh fruit. Two and half hours later we parted ways. I strolled home soaking up the sunshine, gathered my kit, and drove to my old neighborhood where I was meeting a photography student for a test shoot. We decided to focus on a breakfast dish. What’s one more plate of waffles? Afterwards, another sunny stroll. This time through the Mission and up towards the Castro with my friend Grace. We were in search of a pre-dinner before a 7 p.m. dinner party. We ended up at Starbelly where we split a Pizza Margherita with house-made Burrata and it was divine! Although our appetites were thoroughly ruined, the dinner party was still a good time. Sunday morning started early. It was another warm sunny day (I even got a little sunburn) and after service I joined a group of girls for brunch at Tangerine. It was perfect: a busy, busy Sunday brunch rush (don’t miss being on the other side of that), patio tables, and Lady Gaga playing in the background which was, strangely enough, the perfect soundtrack for the hustle and bustle of the restaurant. A good weekend. A delicious weekend.
In a few short weeks my new roommate will be here. The remainder of April is looking pretty similar to how it started: busy. But intensely blessed.
Soon!
This pretty much sums up the weekend…
It was a total blur. You can’t really tell from the photo but that’s the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas. Friday night after work I boarded a plush private jet with friends and spent exactly 12 hours in Sin City. It wasn’t that kind of weekend but still, Saturday amounted to little more than catching up on sleep.
The following picture pretty much sums up the week to come…
Over the course of five days I’ll help prepare nearly 40 different types of waffles for a new cookbook. We got started on Friday and this was the waffle for our first shot. I’m sure it will be months after this project is over before I can even look at a waffle. Maybe not. Well worth the sacrifice though. Cookbooks are truly my favorite projects.
