Time to slow down

The school year has come to a close and it sure did fly by.  Thinking about time - and it's ever increasing speed, I thought about two things.  The first was a conversation with my 12 year-old, who one night when I was tucking her in, said, "Mom, time is going by too fast. I wish it would just slow down."
I almost cried.  She's only 12.  If time is whipping by for her now, what will it feel like when she's my age? 

The second was at dinner several months ago.  My 9 year old was looking out the window, got up from the table, grabbed her camera and said, "I've got to take a picture."  Resisting the urge to tell her to return to the table and eat, I joined her outside.  She took several beautiful photos - that wouldn't wait until after dinner. 

In that moment, we both slowed time, and enjoyed that moment. 

Slow down and enjoy life.

It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast -

you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.

- Eddie Cantor

Enjoy the moment.

Recipe - Flank Steak Marinade

Another family favorite for summer-time grilling.  This is my go-to recipe for grilled flank steak.  This recipe came to me with no measurements from my mom, but was originally from my Great Aunt Jane and Great Uncle Fred.   It would also work well on flatiron steak.

Flank Steak Marinade
1 cup red wine
1 cup soy sauce
1/4 c olive oil
2-3 T chopped fresh thyme
2 cloves garlic, pressed
black pepper, freshly ground

Mix all ingredients.  Put marinade and steak into a ziplock, seal tightly.  Marinate for several hours, up to 24. 
Drain and grill to your desired degree of doneness.

This marinade does a great job of imparting delicious flavors that enhance the steak.  It is a great one to serve to company.  I like to serve with crusty French bread, grilled vegetables and a bright summer salad, and of course a glass of wine.  One of the best!

Quote of the Day-

Words to live by...

I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.

-Martha Washington

Sunday Sculpture Series - Finale

This little rabbit peeks out from behind the boy on the turtle.

Natural Wonder, by Michele Moushe Dale, is available for $12,900.  Part of Lafayette's Art on the Street rotating sculpture gallery.  Natural Wonder is made of bronze, it measures 2'7" x 1'6" x 1'10".  It currently sits in Festival Plaza, at the corner of Public Road and Chester Street in Old Town Lafayette.
Dale is from Wisconsin, but has studied art in Illinois and Virgina and her works sit in several collections around the country.  Whimsical details like the rabbit in the back, or the other animals around the piece, make this sculpture a fabulous storytelling piece.  This suclptures symbolizes the connections we all share with nature. Dale's hope it to express how each person can build a sensitivity to natural ecology and improve our world.
This piece won't remain in its location long.  The change over from the 2010-2011 to the 2011-2012 Art on the Street is happening in the next two weeks.  All the current 12 sculptures will be removed and returned to their artists.  We are fortunate enough to be able to expand our program, and will be installing 16 new sculptures for the next year-long rotation.
I can't wait to show you the next set of sculptures!

Sunday Sculpture Series

This piece, Sod Busters, is one of two final bronzes I will post from the 2010-2011 Art on the Street Sculpture walk in Lafayette, Colorado.  Local artist, William Tyree began his career in art after a full career in the field of engineering.  He began woodcarving and then moved into working in bronze.  He has been a bronze artist for 10 years.  Sod Busters took a year to carve from wood, and then another year to complete as a bronze sculpture. 

I find this piece so interesting, with its strong lines and element of power.  It is an historical piece for Lafayette, as well, as Lafayette was a farming and mining community in its early days.

Sod Busters, and the other 11 sculptures will be removed from their locations in the coming days.  They will be replaces with 16 new and exciting pieces as part of Lafayette's 2011-2012 Art on the Street.  I will be sure to share those pieces with you.

If you are interested in purchasing Sod Busters, or any one of our other pieces on display, you must act quickly.  Sod Busters costs $25,000 and can be purchased by contacting the Public Art Committee.

Recipe - Teriyaki Marinade

Well, this isn't your traditional teriyaki sauce.  But, trust me, it is delicious.  This one is a family favorite from my Aunt Kris.  We use it on beef, chicken, and pork.  It is a go-to recipe during grilling season.  And since it's a from scratch marinade, I know that there is no corn syrup, sugar or MSG involved.

Aunt Kris's Teriyaki Marinade

1/3 cup white vinegar
2/3 cup soy sauce
3 T dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1-2 inches ginger, pressed

Mix all ingredients.  I press both my garlic and my ginger in a high quality garlic press.  There is virtually no need to peel either.  Add as much black pepper as you'd like

Marinate your meat for at least one hour (up to 6 hours) before grilling.  Keep in mind, the vinegar will act as a tenderizer and can change the texture of the chicken if it sits too long.

Drain, grill and enjoy.  Trust me, I know the combination sounds a bit odd, but it is delicious.

Grilled chicken, served with simple green beans, and couscous.  A perfect weeknight meal.

Collage - Hope

 Another house collage....

Using an old spring and an old hinge...some newspaper scraps...



This love is silent. 
-TS Eliot



The bit of text from an old book wraps around the edge.  It seems to complete the sentiment by saying... "and the time goes quickly."