Anemone Coronaria and Eagles

Digging these white anemones with blue middles and digging this song - not so much the album though...

Committed to Black

Black transcends wardrobe. It gives space structure.

In my quiet months after having quit BDO, I took an Impressionist class at the UC Extension. Of all the pieces of art that flashed via the projector, I remember feeling an affinity for Manet's art. The man didn't want to be linked to the Impressionist Movement - didn't want to be labeled. His subject matter was very modern in the sense that it was did not mimic 'academic art' and was very representative of modern life. I would like to buy a big print of Manet's "Execution of Emperor Maximillian of Mexico" which is reminiscent of Goya's "The 3rd of May 1808". I love Manet's prevalent use of black.

I found the below picture of Master of Design Student Abbey Nova's home via Design Sponge. I dig the high gloss black door. In a sun lit room - it reflects a myriad of colors!

2009 Lovers Holiday

I had the distinct pleasure of sharing another Valentines with Fil on a Valentines that comes once every 7 years - Saturday.  The day was altogether a light day of smiles.  I was awoken by the Snapple...

The morning was full of preparation as we ascended to Berkeley's Tokyo Fish Market for our sashimi main course namely: Tobo Tuna, Kampachi, Han Hamachi and Uni.  We also bought soba sauce and noodles as a side.

Earlier that morning Fil and demanded that we go to a florist so that I could construct my own bouquet - so following lunch at Gregoire (mmm... Creamy organic egg salad with truffles on toasted white bread and Hothouse smoked cod with potato chips & garlic sautéed spinach on pantofolina) - we dropped by a florist down the street where I created a white ranunculus, hyacinth, and a little purple vignette.  We dropped by the Crixa Cakes bakery across from the Berkeley Bowl and picked up a 'Tunnel of Love".  While at Crixa, we ran into a friend from San Francisco who was in the vicinity on a East Bay Eating Tour.

Dinner ensued like so...

We watched the beloved "Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind" which I believe should be recognized as a Valentine's classic.   "Meet me in Montak..."  Love that movie.

Admittedly, I wouldn't mind re-living yesterday a couple of times.

The Presentation

Fil calls this the calm before the storm. In a few short days, I will be partly responsible for the mauvelous spread that's to be presented at Fil's house for thanksgiving. While most people, including Fil, worry about getting the turkey just right.. I am thinking most about how great my sweet potato fries dipping lion-head containers are going to be during appetizer time. I think it's my destiny to serve and host. I can't even begin to express how exciting it will be when I host my first house get-together. Life's in the details – is it not?

Arms Are Underused And Surviving Friday At Home

Arms
I think arms are so very under used. Our legs transport us from our bed to the bathroom to the kitchen to the bedroom to the bathroom to the car to the work to the break room to the bar to the bed. What about the arms -they are so under utilzed. They seem to only exist for the purpose of transporting our all important hands and fingers.

I am also going to do more dancing with my arms. Watch out friends!

Friday At Home

This evening, I took a walk with Nathaniel and Snapple. I resolved to fully take advantage of the walk - for the entire 30 minutes - I did an obnoxious power walk swing with my arms. When I sensed the lights of the cars coming ahead - I quickly transformed my flailing to mild swings.

I just washed dishes while listening to Erlend Oye's album 'Unrest'. It takes the drudge away from washing dishes. Friday's at home aren't so bad - you can look beyond the fact that you aren't at a cool bar with a drink in your hand. What's next on the list of exciting possibilities this glamorous Friday? A 180 minute documentary of Andy Warhol. woo.

BYOW At Chinese Restaurants

In this economic downturn and my personal crisis in my career, I find that eating out has sadly become a lower priority on my list. It's not even a choice - my hungry piggy demands it. This brings me to brainstorm just how I might - when given the chance to treat myself to a meal - maximize my dining experience without breaking the bank.

Just last Sunday, I accompanied Phil and his family to a restaurant named Ka Pok located on Webster St, Alameda, California, USA, Earth, Milky Way. I really enjoyed my dining experience there - in short - it recently went through a change in management, there is always a crowd, they serve free really amazing chinese soup (with full pieces of meat), free appetizer (consisting of iceberg lettuce, strips of cold white chicken, jellyfish, drizzled with sesame oil and garnished with sesame seeds), free dessert (standard in most chinese restaurants served to you provided that you are chinese yourself). I am digressing about free stuff, am I not? Apart from all the free stuff I've mentioned, I just like the selection and quality of the food.

I saw a table with a bottle of wine, and moments later saw a crab dish with sticky rice on another table. Phil's mom helped me ask the waiter just how much the corkage fee was --ta da-- 5 bucks! You can't beat that. My take away from Sunday night was one of these privileged fridays - I must drop by Trader Joe's - grab a bottle of white - which states that pairs well with Chinese food - head to Ka Pok and order the crab dish with the sticky rice. Sure the ambiance will not be there - but that's what the wine is for! I must say that the whole bring your own wine (BYOW) idea is derived from when Phil and I were in Bath, England - chowing at an Indian restaurant - which totally promoted bringing your own wine. I remember we slipped across the street after ordering and crossed the street to a small wine shop - picked something moderately priced - and subsequently shared sweet moments...

I think I have found a little piece heaven even in tough times.