Simple Sundays

John Henderson, Sunrise on Ossabaw Island

John Henderson, Sunrise on Ossabaw Island

Lisa Gerard’s “One Perfect Sunrise”….Enjoy!  Happy Sunday…Happy Day!

On The Radio

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Learn about Coastal Landscape and Design today!  If you love gardening and beautiful outdoor spaces you’ll enjoy this show!

Finally Friday!

 

It’s not summer without pesto.  Many people think of basil and basil only when they hear the word.  I have expanded on the subject and add spinach, arugula, parsley, pecans, walnuts, or even almonds in place of the traditional basil and pine nuts.  Actually, pesto comes from the Italian word, which means to pound or to crush.  My menu today is short and simple, yet really delicious!  The pasta I use is gluten free so no worries there!  Also…join me at Golden Isles Olive Oil tomorrow where you’ll have a real treat.  I’ll be there with books for signing and delicious sweets for you to taste.  Chefarmer, Matthew Raiford, and Jovan Sage, food alchemist, will be offering a savory bruschetta bar with a twist.  Culinary fun from noon until 3:00 pm!

ENJOY!

Quinoa Spaghetti with Fresh Pesto

Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salsa

Outshine Pomegranate Fruit Bars

Pinot Grigio

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Quinoa Spaghetti with Fresh Pesto

2 cups fresh, organic baby spinach, stems removed

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1 cup pecans or walnuts

3 cloves garlic, peeled

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 – 3/4 cup good olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

1 package Quinoa Spaghetti, cooked for eight minutes in rapidly boiling water, drained, tossed with 1 tablespoon olive oil and set aside

In a food processor, combine the spinach, basil, nuts, garlic and cheese.  Process until well ground.  In a steady stream, pour the olive oil through the feed tube until a thick emulsion forms.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Toss with the warm pasta , top with a large spoonful of the tomato salsa and freshly shaved parmesan cheese.

Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salsa

1 small box heirloom cherry tomatoes

1 clove garlic peeled and coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper to taste.

NOTE:  You may also serve this is as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.  I love it on its own on a warm summer evening!

Outshine® Pomegranate Package

This is my newest, refreshing discovery for cooling off on a hot summer day!  I love the slightly tart flavor of pomegranate and this bar delivers!  The perfect dessert!

 

Discovering Brooklyn

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Join Nancy Kirkpatrick as she continues her voyage up the East Coast to Brooklyn!  You’re in for a real treat today.  Thank you Nancy for contributing your beautiful writing and photography for all of us to enjoy!

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In the port of New York a smooth pearl gray fog lifts slowly to reveal the city. A proud row of multi colored buildings guards the shore while we pass under the Verrazano Bridge, glide past the Statue of Liberty, a quiet, soft green in the mist. A tugboat joins alongside. We are about to dock in the world’s largest city.

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Having visited the city numerous times, I’m aware there is a certain assault on the senses when you first see New York, when you enter, while you explore. Depending on how you are wired, that assault can evoke anxiety, frustration, even fear. Or it may energize the artist, the explorer, the adventurer in your soul. But what about Brooklyn?  Not entirely sure of my reasons, I choose the tour of Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Brownstones

Brooklyn Brownstones

And I wonder. How does one discover Brooklyn? Is it part of the city or an existence all its own? Do you cross a bridge dragging pieces of Manhattan behind you? I visualize historic brownstones lining streets that crisscross in neat squares. People live here but work in the city. Like suburbs on steroids. That’s what my limited mind conjures up. And yes, there they are! And trees line those streets. “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” flits through my mind.

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Once my mind settles its yearning to see the Brooklyn of my imagination, I begin to experience a different Brooklyn. Shops, restaurants, schools, offices, apartment buildings and at last the neighborhoods. Just like Manhattan, there are separations from the whole. German, Italian, Chinese, Hasidic Jews. They pass before us on the sidewalks, the shop windows, the signs, the places of worship.

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Especially intriguing are the Hasidic neighborhoods. Our guide gives insight into baffling customs they adhere to as a means to ensure their continuing traditional existence.  Married women shave their heads to be unattractive to men other than their husbands.But they wear dark tressed wigs, all looking eerily alike as they stroll the sidewalks with their children. Another sect is set apart by the tiny balconies on their apartment buildings which allow them to be “outside” for certain religious observances. They are tightly woven communities. They live in a world visibly apart ‐ similar to the Amish in Pennsylvania, I remark. Yes. The guide agrees. Just like that.

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We visit Coney Island. Hear about the devastation from Hurricane Sandy. Have a Nathan’s famous hot dog. It’s iconic Americana. Not yet open for the season, its boardwalks swept clean by the abrasive sand filled wind, it promises colorful, noise filled summer days and nights.

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But for all the local color and historical uniqueness, the rise of “glass boxes” is evident everywhere. Our guide bemoans the disappearing Brooklyn. It hurts. This new Brooklyn.  And as we return to our ship, the tour over, our guide reads off an astounding list of famous natives of Brooklyn. A breeding ground of artists, writers, painters, poets, actors, musicians. And I send a tiny prayer into the Universe ‐ don’t let Brooklyn change too much…the world needs the artists. And the artists need the Brooklyn‐like neighborhoods of this world.

 

Nancy Kirkpatrick

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

 

Go…Eat…Give

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When Nancy Krabill sent me information on the upcoming art tour she and Atlanta artist, Kathy Rennell Forbes, are planning for October, I knew I had to write about it!  Just imagine traveling to beautiful Tuscany with a group of creative spirits intent on savoring all the area has to offer.

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I love the idea of journaling through watercolor.  What a wonderful way to save memories of a trip than through painting!

Listen to Kathy Rennell Forbes as she shares this journey in a brief description….and imagine, all of your supplies fitting in that small bag?  My kind of packing!  You’ll travel through historic villages, experience farm life….including harvesting olives and capture all of the beautiful scenery with your paintings.

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You can learn more about this opportunity on Saturday, June 6th at 10:00 am when Nancy and Kathy will host a special introduction to the trip at Glynn Visual Arts.

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Doesn’t this look like just the place to enjoy a bit of fall weather this coming October?  I think so!  Join the tour and meet Francesco for a cup of espresso!

For further information go here:  www.goeatgive.com

Good Times!

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Another Memorial Day come and gone.  We spent time in the  Atlanta with family.  I got to see Miss Emmeline and present a copy of my book to her in person.  She is delighted to have her name in the title and a story that takes place in her hometown of New Orleans.

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My most favorite place, foodie heaven, The Fresh Market, in Marietta…..if I’m ever lost, this is where you’ll find me!  Oh how I love this store.  I could spend hours looking at the bulk items and exploring every aisle and every nook and cranny.  The music, the displays, the flowers and more.

Time at Leon’s, one of my favorite places to eat in Decatur did not disappoint.

And music in the Decatur square was fun….love the people watching.

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We’re back on the island, unpacking and settling back into our routines.  It’s always good to get away…..missing family already!

Prayers and Thank You’s!

Today is Memorial Day.   I’m honoring those who gave their lives for our country in all of the wars.  All the way back to the Civil War when this holiday first appeared on the calendar.  It’s a day of remembering those who have served as well as their families.  Never forget that it’s the soldiers as well as those who love and support them who are affected by the ultimate sacrifice.  If your community has a special celebration or service to honor the fallen, plan to attend.  This holiday is commonly thought of as the beginning of summer and a great day for a BBQ, which it is, but its true meaning is one we cannot afford to forget.  Whenever you meet a veteran or service person currentlly serving our country always stop and say thank you….and never forget the fallen.

Simple Sundays

I love to listen to Mozart!  On this Sunday morning I you’ll enjoy this video of piano Concerto No. 19 with Radu Lupu as pianist.  It’s light and lively, perfect for a beautiful morning.  We’re in Atlanta enjoying time wtih family.  Be safe, be happy and enjoy!

On The Radio

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The show I taped for this past week was mistakenly not aired.  It was with Dave Olender and we discussed the upcoming Memorial Day events that will be taking place in Brunswick on Monday.  The show will air this evening at 7:05 so that all of you can hear it and plan to attend this very important day of giving thanks and prayers to those who have served our country and lost their lives.  It’s a wonderful show so I hope you’ll listen in!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Vacation Time!

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I posted my weekly recipe yesterday in Finally Friday.  We’re in Atlanta for the holiday weekend.  Leave a comment guessing in which part of this huge city we are staying.  The first one to get it right wins a free copy of my wonderful new children’s book, “Emmeline At Commander’s Palace”.  Here’s how it works!  Leave your guess in the comment section, like my Facebook page, The Permanent Tourist and type your guess in the status bar!   It’s that simple!  Here’s to a great weekend!