Focus

January 20, 2014 {20/365} "Vintage Technology"

Just recently, I've become a bit obsessed with vintage technology, specifically typewriters (featured here and here) and cameras (like the ones pictured here). It isn't that I particularly enjoy antiques or antique shops; in fact, anyone who knows me will tell you that I don't like clutter. I prefer well-organized, minimalist fashion and décor, featuring a few statement pieces, and of course, I love cutting-edge technology. Yet, for the past few months, I've been pining for these antiquated devices, craving a beautiful old typewriter and camera to display among my most cherished books and found treasures. I find them wonderfully simple yet sophisticated and beautiful in their clean, mid-century design. I think that I've finally figured out what I find most attractive about vintage cameras and typewriters. They represent the technology that has allowed people to be creative: to write novels, poetry, and love letters (although those should truly be handwritten), to take photos of loved ones, to capture the beauty in nature and special events as well as everyday moments that become special once discovered and documented.

In August, I reflected on what I've learned by maintaining this blog, by writing and taking pictures everyday.

Today on this Tech Tuesday, I'd like to refocus my lens on the creative process:

"Since I began blogging and participating in Project 365 activities, I have taken thousands of photographs. I often take multiple shots of the same subject -- sometimes on the same day, sometimes at different times of day (à la Monet), and sometimes days, weeks, months, or even a year later. Studying my photos has taught me so much about focus, composition, color, light, angles, and editing. And although "a picture is worth a thousand words," writing captions and narratives to accompany my photos has further challenged me to be both visually and verbally creative. When I look back on my own progress, I learned so much from the "mistakes" that I've made. The process has not only taught me to be a better writer and photographer, but it has also taught me some valuable life lessons. I have learned:

FOCUS: Be constantly present and observant. Focus on what is beautiful, unusual, the details that make a picture special, uniquely your own. Looking at things from different angles provides new opportunities to witness moments that would be missed if they were only observed from a single point of view. “When you start to change the way you see things, the things you see start to change.” ~ Wayne Dyer

PERSEVERANCE: Commitment to a project of this magnitude can be challenging. There are days when nothing seems interesting; when it feels like there's nothing to photograph and/or nothing to write. There are nights when it's late and I'm tired, but I don't want to disappoint myself by not posting. There are moments when I know I have the potential to take a great picture, but the light, the camera, or the subject don't seem to be cooperating. There are times when there are no words. I've learned not to give up: Light changes, subjects move, and my own control over angles and focus can make all the difference. "Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained." ~ Marie Curie

ACCEPTANCE: Sometimes, I can predict what my day will bring and what photos I might take, but even those pictures always look different in my mind than they do on my screen. My iPhone has predictable limitations. Sometimes, I know that I will never get close enough to capture what I see, and regardless of how much I plan, I can't control the weather, the natural light, or movement and will of others. I can only try new perspectives. "Acceptance doesn't mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there's got to be a way through it." ~ Michael J. Fox

BALANCE: It is important to strike a balance between photos and words that are carefully planned, composed, and edited, and those beautiful, unexpected moments that require quick reflexes. So often when I've taken several shots of the same subject, it is my first impression that becomes the photo of the day. As much as I insist on presence and awareness, it is impossible to be fully present if one is constantly viewing life through a camera lens. “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” ~ Keith Urban

SHARING: Creative expression (art, music, writing, etc.) is meant to be shared. Although I began this project to challenge myself and that continues to be my primary focus, I have rather serendipitously found an audience for my work via social media and word of mouth. The feedback and encouragement that I receive further challenge me to try new things and to continue to improve. Although it is impossible to please everyone, everyday, it is empowering to know that others look forward to my daily offerings (so thank you!). "Art is about sharing. You wouldn't be an artist unless you wanted to share an experience, a thought." ~ David Hockney

January Thaw

January 18, 2015 {18/365} "Thawing"

"Seasonal diversions can ease the bite of any winter.  One is the January thaw." - Hal Borland

Comparison

January 17, 2015 Comparison

"It's a hundred and six miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas...and we're wearing sunglasses."

- Elwood Blues (The Blues Brothers)

Today, we made our annual road trip to Chicago for the Strictly Sail Show. What a difference a year makes! Last year, it was Strictly Sail this year it was Chicago Boat, RV, and Strictly Sail Show. Last year it was at Navy Pier; this year it was at McCormick Place. Last year, it was fun; this year it was not. Last year, we stayed in the city; this year, we went home. But there was one consolation: Last year, it was -25º; this year, it was 56º!

French Friday: Truffles

January 16, 2015 {16/365} • Black Truffle Dinner at Lake Park Bistro

7 Courses with Wine Pairings

"The Perigord black truffle is named after the French province of the same name. Perigord's limestone plateau is an ideal site for black truffle production. Truffles grow naturally in woodlands, and their presence is signified by the lack of plant life at the base of the trees. These bare areas are referred to as terre brûlée or 'burned ground.' Perigord black truffles start to grow in the spring and summer and they are harvested from December through February. Several different methods are used to find truffles. A pig or dog is used to help locate the truffles. Dogs, of course, can be trained to find most anything. Pigs, specifically sows, are naturally attracted to the aroma of truffles, which is similar to a pheromone produced by boars during mating season. Because they are quite large and will fight over truffles, pigs can be challenging. In France, another method is avec la mouche or 'with the fly," which is when ripe swards of flies can be seen hovering over truffle growing areas.

It is because of the unique aroma and taste that truffles are much sought after and command up to $900 per pound, depending on the species. Another factor which contributes to the high prices is the increasing demand and continually lower production. At the end of the nineteenth century, the French alone produced 1500-2000 tons of truffles per year. It is now estimated that only about 120 tons of black truffles are harvested annually worldwide." ~ Information provided by Lake Park Bistro

BLACK TRUFFLE DINNER MENU

Hors D’Oeuvres: Mousse de Canard - Duck Liver Mouse with Black Truffles, Tartare de Veau - Chopped Veal Tenderloin with Black Truffles, Gougères - Gruyere Cheese Puffs with Black Truffles

Le Menu: Carpaccio de Coquilles St Jacques - Thinly Sliced Sea Scallops with Lobster Mousse and Black Truffles, Joseph Drouhin Vaudon Chablis 2013, Raviolo farci l’Oeuf - Maestro Paul Bartolotta’s Egg-Filled Raviolo with Ricotta Cheese,  Brown Butter, and Black Truffles, Joseph Drouhin Chassagne Montrachet Blanc 2012, Ragout de Foie Gras et Homard - Sauteed Duck Liver and Lobster with Carrots, Turnips, Chioga Beets and Black Truffle Jus, Joseph Drouhin Pommard 2011, Roti de Boeuf - Roasted Jefferson Township Beef with Salsify, Chestnuts, Red Wine Sauce and Black Truffles, Joseph Drouhin Vosne Romanee 2012, Camembert Farci - Cow’s Milk Cheese Stuffed with Black Truffles and Truffle Honey, Gateau au Chocolat - Rich Chocolate Cake with Hazelnuts and Black Truffle Ice Cream

Lake Park Bistro,  3133 East Newberry Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Quelle bonne nuit et cuisine extraordinaire!