I’m sharing a beautiful video with you today, “L’air Du Soir” by Andre Gagnon.  It’s been quite a week in Louisiana.  The storm that blew through on Tuesday had us literally battening down the hatches and securing anything a tornado might pick up and turn into debris.  Miss Sky organized an interior room in our home so we could be safe and sound if need be.  Alarms sounded through the day and into the evening on our iPhones.  We ended up not needing to take shelter but we WERE prepared.  There was destruction elsewhere and not so far from here.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost property and, sadly, loved ones.  Mother Nature can possess a fury that always reminds me there is something so much greater than we are.  When the winds pick up to 80 miles per hour one suddenly feels very vulnerable and miniscule in the scheme of things!

I hope you’ll take a moment to relax and listen to this beautiful piece.  Have a wonderful day, love the ones you’re with and be thankful…..always be thankful!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 02 28th, 2016 | 2 Comments »

I have been travelling through the state of Louisiana for years.  Raised on the Gulf Coast of Texas I became very familiar with the last names Thibodaux and DuBois.  We grew up seeing gumbo and jambalaya as part our state’s local cuisine.

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Something that has always raised a question in my mind is the reason behind the state of Louisiana having “Parishes” as opposed to the “Counties” found in most states.  I did a bit of research and I’m sharing the results with you today.

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Louisiana was originally a combination of French and Spanish colonies, that were primarily Roman Catholic.  When the Louisiana Purchase took place in 1803, what was then termed the Territory of Orleans, was divided into 12 counties with poorly defined borders.  In 1807 the territorial legislature met and formed nineteen parishes but they did not change the counties.  When the state was admitted into the Union in 1845 and the state’s constitution was written the term parish was used throughout the document and has maintained that title to this day.  The term county faded away.

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Since the Roman Catholic church had so much to do with governing of the state in early days it makes sense to me that the area around the various churches in the state, termed as parishes, should remain instead of changing to the normal term of county.  Like so many things the use of this term, which stems from the French and Spanish influence that remain in modern day, is one of the charming things about Louisiana that set it apart from so many other places.

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Today Louisiana is made up of sixty-four parishes.  The names of many still evoke the religion which forms the base of so many parts of this state.  Ascension, Assumption, Saint John the Baptist are three that come to mind. Then there are the parishes that so clearly speak of the French influence….Evangeline (more about that in a future post), Lafayette and Calcasieu are just a few.  I find Louisiana to be a magical state.  There is an abundance of fascinating history I am beginning to explore and will share in upcoming posts.  Great lore….a few ghost stories and plenty of good times are rolling!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 25th, 2016 | 1 Comment »

I have always loved the word Pentimento.  Since reading Lillian Hellmann’s classic book with this title the whole process of pentimento has fascinated me.  It is a term most often used in the world of art as a painter changes their mind and paints over a prior image.  But I see life as a sort of pentimento.  We are all works in progress, part of the artwork of our Creator.  I don’t believe anything that happens to us is without reason or purpose, no matter how difficult it may be to believe when it is occurring.  Like an onion we have a core surrounded with layer upon layer of experience, emotion and discovery.  When we open our consciousness and truly begin to live, all of these layers can merge to form our true selves, we become whole.  To me, becoming whole is what life is all about.  We have to work at bringing all of the layers together and realizing that the past is the past.  We have NOW….celebrate each day and bless the layers that have created who you are!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 02 24th, 2016 | No Comments »

‘Tis the season for these delectable little creatures!  Boiled with plenty of Cajun spice they are one of my favorite things!  If you don’t know what they are, and, no, they are not lobster, they are Crawfish.  These freshwater shellfish are considered a delicacy throughout Louisiana.

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Now is the time for Crawfish Etoufee, Crawfish Jambalaya, Crawfish boils and gumbo….the list goes on and on.  Our favorite way to enjoy them is boiled, spicy enough to leave a burn on your lips, with plenty of ice cold beer.  In a boil, like the picture above, you’ll find corn and small new potatoes.  I prefer to have just the crawfish and forego the carbs!  They may look like lobster but the sweet piece of meat you’ll find in the tail has a flavor all its own.

Columbia Street Seafood in Covington, LA is becoming one of our favorite places.  They boil up some of the best crawfish I have ever eaten in the entire state.  It’s not a large place but it is packed with a steady clientele enjoying trays piled with fresh boiled crawfish, crab and even lobster.  It is nothing out of the ordinary to see a line out the door and three deep at the counter.  We prefer to bring our order home, spread the table outdoors with newspaper and pour them out with plenty of sturdy paper towels.

In 1983 the governor of Louisiana named these little bits of deliciousness the state Crustacean.  People are serious about their crawfish in this state and I’m one of them.  If you’re interested in what goes in to a crawfish boil scroll down for a recipe.  If you are interested in ordering a few pounds on line go here:  http://www.lacrawfish.com/

Zatarain’s Crawfish Boil

Melissa | food & entertaining | 02 23rd, 2016 | 2 Comments »

I am in love with the piece I am featuring today!  The rolling simplicity of the music is so masterfully played.  This piece, The Dragonfly’s First Dawn by William Zeitler, makes my heart sing with happiness.  I love dragonfly’s with their delicate wings and brilliant irridescent color.  They are one of nature’s most beautiful creatures.  They fly in spirals separately and together, riding the currents of the wind.  Imagine the excitement of one of these lovely beings experiencing their first flight at dawn!  Magic!

Wishing all of my readers an especially excellent Sunday!  We’re having the most glorious Spring weather here!  Take a deep breath, let it out and think of yourself soaring through the sky, weightless and not a care in the world.  Oh happy day!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 02 21st, 2016 | 3 Comments »

I have always had a special love for magnolias.  Little did I know that the state flower of Lousiana is this beautiful bloom!  Their gigantic, rich cream colored blossoms appear like oversized cups, drinking in the warmth of the sun.  When I was growing up in Texas, my Mother would float Magnolia blossoms in a large crystal bowl, placing it in the middle of our dining room table.  They always seemed so elegant in my eyes, filling the room with their heady fragrance.

But there is much more to the Magnolia than mere decoration.

This tree has been in existence, in some form other other since before the appearance of bees on the planet.

In ancient China, only the Emperor could have a Magnolia tree.  To be given a root from the Emperor’s tree signified that the recipient was receiving royal favor.

The Magnolia has many medicinal qualities as well.  Chinese medicine uses the bark to keep the life force flowing effectively as well as to help with digestive problems.  The dental community has taken recent interest in the Magnolia since it appears to prevent the formation of bacterial plaque.

To dream of Magnolia’s symbolizes beauty, grace and elegance as well as protection.

Magnolias symbolize nobility and perservance.  They have weathered ice ages, the creation of mountain ranges as well as Continental drift, still rising to stand regally over nature.  It is a symbol of strength and endurance throughout the South….long may they reign!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 18th, 2016 | 6 Comments »

Soul….it’s one of my favorite words.  Be it music, food, a good book…there are so many ways soul is expressed.  Through silence we can communicate with our own souls.  That still, peaceful place that lies within each of us is just waiting to be tapped into.

Living in the New Orleans area means constantly being surrounded by soul in some way.  Red beans and rice on Monday night for dinner is one example of soul food.  Then there is the glorious jazz you’ll hear while roaming through the streets in the French Quarter.  Musicians play alone as well as in groups when they share the rhythm of their souls with passersby.  Soul isn’t something you see.  It is strictly something to be felt, experienced and listened to.

I have always said that I can eat in a restaurant and tell, within five minutes, whether the chef has soul….whether he or she cares about and is passionate about the food they prepare.  There is an essence to anything containing the soul of the creator that cannot be matched by one who is not conscious and aware.

So this Wednesday think about Soul in all of its forms, especially what lies within you!  I recently heard Dr. Christiane Northrup in a video talking about loving oneself and in her talk she said, “deep within you is a soul that is madly in love with you.”.  I find that comforting and I hope you will too.  Soulful living is something to be developed, nurtured and shared, it is what connects us all at our core.  From my soul to yours….happy Wednesday!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 02 17th, 2016 | No Comments »

Comfort food is always one of my favorite things.  Food that makes you feel warm inside and satisfied.  The recipe for Cauliflower Cheese Pie from Mollie Katzen’s original Moosewood Cookbook has been at the top of my list for over thirty years now.  It always turns out perfectly!  A crunchy shredded potato crust and cheesy cauliflower provide the perfect combination.  Add a tossed green salad and you’ve got a great meal.  And don’t forget a good red wine to complete the menu!  The recipe may look like a lot of work but it goes together very quickly so don’t be shy…put it on the menu!

Cauliflower Cheese Pie with Potato Crust Recipe:
Yields: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

Potato Crust (see recipe below)
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 eggs (or 1 whole egg plus 1 egg white)
1/4 cup milk
Freshly-ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Black Pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 medium-size cauliflower
1 3/4 cups grated Cheddar cheese, divided
Paprika

Tip: Use your food processor with grating attachment to grate cheese, potato, and onion (In that order). No need to clean your food processor in between ingredients.
Preparation:

Make Potato Crust and bake while you are preparing pie filling mixture.  See below.

Wash, remove core and leaves, trim, and coarsely chop the cauliflower.
In a frying pan over medium heat, heat butter or vegetable oil and then sauté onions, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt for 5 minutes. Add thyme, basil, parsley and cauliflower pieces; cook, covered, for approximately 9 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until cauliflower is tender. Remove from heat.In a small bowl, beat together 1/2 teaspoon salt, eggs, milk, pepper, and paprika: set aside.

Layer the baked potato crust with 1/2 of the grated cheese. Spoon cauliflower mixture over the top of the cheese, then sprinkle with remaining cheese over the top. Pour the milk/egg mixture over the top and lightly dust with paprika.

Bake approximately 35 to 40 minutes until a knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean or until the internal temperature registers 170 to 175 degrees F. on your cooking thermometer.

Remove from oven and serve. Serve either hot or warm.

Makes 1 (9-inch pie) – 4 to 6 servings.

Potato Crust:

2 firmly-packed cups grated raw potatoes
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated onion
Vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Adjust a rack to the middle position and either oil or spray a 9-inch pie pan with nonstick spray.

Place raw potatoes in a colander over a large bowl or your sink. Salt potatoes and let set for 10 minutes. Squeeze out the excess water.

In a medium bowl, combine grated grated potatoes, egg white, and onion; mix well. With lightly-floured fingers, pat potato mixture into prepared pie pan, building up the sides of the crust.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown (after the first 20 minutes brush the crust with vegetable oil to crisped it). Remove from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F.

Melissa | food & entertaining | 02 15th, 2016 | No Comments »

I came across this video of The Piano Guys playing Christina Perri’s song, A Thousand Years.  It fits how I’m feeling today.  Uplifted after Mardi Gras and filled with love for my life and this special season.  I attended my first Ash Wednesday service at Christ Church in Covington, LA with my family.  The minister spoke about Lent and how it is a time to go deeper, to live more fully.  To me that includes letting go of the past, of regrets, lost dreams and hopes and focusing on the now!  This is what we have…this moment….right now!  Instead of giving up something for Lent I am adding something, a sort of gift to myself.  I am devoting time each day to meditation, deep breathing and letting go.  It is essential to my well being.  And I am loving myself a little more each day.  Some folks might think that is egotistical on my part but it is anything but that.  My life is filled with caregiving these days as my elderly parents live with me and Mr. T has been battling cancer once again.  Time for myself has become essential and I am not good at it.  So as this sacred season begins I’m finding that quiet space, filling it with silence and finding peace and love for all.  Have a wonderful Sunday!  OH….and Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 02 14th, 2016 | No Comments »

There is a quiet hush around the Crescent City as Carnival Season comes to a close.  It is a time I will always remember as my first and the introduction to what life in this wonderful place is all about.  We partied into the night and danced in the streets by day.

Beads….beads…..and more beads along with other colorful treasures made the celebration complete as families, friends and neighbors joined in the revelry.  This is not what I expected from Mardi Gras.  As a child it was always described to me as something that was an adult event and certainly not for children.  My experience was just the opposite.

The delight of children of all ages filled the air as one colorful float after another passed by tossing beads, dubloons and mementos to treasure.  This is a time of joy, of being a child again and of having fun like never before!

The float carrying Rex, this year’s king of Mardi Gras was decked out in opulent gold with the man himself sitting on his throne, toasting the crowd and bringing this amazing time to a close in grand style.

We made our way to Jackson Square to people watch and we were not disappointed!  Amazing costumes and entertainment greeted us as the sun began to set on a time I will never forget!  Experiencing this festive season with family and their friends is totally different from being a tourist.  The commaraderie as groups plan food to bring and agree on where to meet makes it such a fun time!

Our sweet Miss Em donned a friends mask, a full sized horses head, to clown around a bit in the square as we sat and listened to bagpipes play.  The air buzzes with happiness and excitement, there is no doubt this is not just any other day.

As shadows began to fall and the crowds thinned out I remembered something my son-in-law said to me earlier in the day.  “Just think, everywhere else it’s just another Tuesday!”.  We all got to release our inner child, be a little crazy and celebrate.  It’s going to be a great year!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 11th, 2016 | No Comments »