Mardi Gras

February 17, 2015 {48/365} « Laissez les bons temps rouler! »

French holidays are especially hard for me since I left the classroom. I loved sharing historical and cultural events with my students, especially in February when we flipped crêpes for la Chandeleur, listened to Piaf and made romantic Valentines (in la langue de l'amour), and compared Mardi gras celebrations in Nice, Quebec, and New Orleans. Today we would be listening to zydeco music, making masks, and enjoying a Carnaval feast.  I do miss those days, so I was thrilled when one of my colleague who teaches culinary arts asked me to visit his Pro-Start class today.  While they prepare jambalaya and a New Orleans style kings' cake, I will be sharing some of the history and tradition behind today's celebration.

Alors, laissez les bons temps rouler!

[Interested in a learning more about Mardi gras?  Here's a link to my presentation: Mardi Gras 2015]

Leftovers

February 16, 2015 {47/365}

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may" - Robert Herrick

It's the Monday after Valentine's weekend and the market is filled with leftover, slight wilted, pink and red roses. I can't decide if they're beautiful or sad...I think a little bit of both.

Pink

February 15, 2015 {46/365} "Pink"

“I believe in pink... I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” - Audrey Hepburn [ ... and I believe that pink Champagne makes any day special!]

Hearts

February 14, 2015 {45/365}

« On ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux. » - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

["It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."]

French Friday: L'Amour Fou

February 13, 2015 {45/365} « Bisous »

Nestled between the Centre Pompidou and the Church of Saint-Merri in the Marais, the whimsical Stravinsky Fountain showcases sixteen sculptures inspired by the music of Igor Stravinsky. Completed in 1983, the black mechanical pieces by Jean Tinguely and the brightly colored pieces by Niki de Saint Phalle include L'Oiseau de feu (The Firebird),  La Clef de Sol (the Musical Key of G), La Spirale (The Spiral), L'Elephant (The Elephant), Le Renard (The Fox), Le Serpent (The Serpent), La Grenouille (The Frog), La Diagonale (The Diagonal), La Mort (Death), La Sirène (The Mermaid), Le Rossignol (The Nightingale), L'Amour (Love). La Vie (Life), Le Cœur (The Heart), Le Chapeau de Clown (The Clown's Hat), and Ragtime (Ragtime).  I wish I knew the secret of the Dali painting (by street artist, Jef Aerosol) behind the fountain. C'est un peu fou, but I love it and « Qui aime sans folie n'aime qu'à demi ! l'amour le plus fou ne vit sans brin de folie. » - Maxalexis

Fuel

February 12, 2015 {43/365} 2 CV

This morning as I drove to work, I heard an Exxon/Mobile commercial challenging people to "Tell us what fuels you." The contest requires applicants to submit a photo and a 140-character (Tweet-like) answer to win $1000 worth of free gasoline. It got me thinking about what fuels me. I'm fueled by:

• creativity: I love art museums, music, and great books; yet, I'm even more inspired by opportunities to express my own creativity through photography and writing.

• the seasons: Although some seem longer than others, Wisconsin is blessed with four truly distinct seasons. Inspired by my dad's example, I relish the unique beauty and bounty that each new season offers. In springtime, I marvel at the renewal of the earth as rain washes away the salt and debris of winter commutes, and lovely flowers and pale green leaves begin to appear. Summer brings lush greenery, blue skis, cotton candy clouds, picnics, fair winds, and cool waters to sail upon. In autumn the brilliant landscape beckons me to wander. I crave apples and cashmere sweaters. And just as snow covers the bare ground, winter settles over me like a down comforter. I make the most of the stingy winter sunshine by searching for color and signs of life, yet I also enjoy the cozy silence of long nights by the fire.

• water: I feel most like myself when I'm near, in, or on the water. Maybe it's because I'm a pisces or maybe it's because of how and where I grew up, but it's hard for me to imagine living (and even visiting) places without a large body of water nearby.

• travel: Perhaps St. Augustine said it best: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Travel opens my eyes and my mind. It makes me appreciate diversity as well as my own culture.

• the word "Auntie": I've heard parents say that they never really knew what love was before they had children of their own. Well, I don't know about that, but I do know that I'd do anything for "my boys."

• curiosity and innovation: I'm motivated by new ideas and challenges. What fuels you?