May 31, 2009

Thinking

About changes and trying new things. I've never really thought of myself as a baker. A cook, yes, I know how to chop and season and put ingredients together but the idea of measuring and exact amounts has always made me avoid baking. Yesterday morning I woke up early and embarked on an epic baking adventure. I have been eyeing some serious carrot cakes lately and thought I would try to make my own for Laena's birthday party. Once I got started I couldn't stop (that or the caffeine was kicking in) and cupcakes were the next order of the day--chocolate and vanilla with fancy frostings. Finally a reason to use the rosewater I bought at Wegmans in Rochester last December!. The finished product, well you can check it out below. The true success--nothing but clean plates to clean up this morning (as in licking the plate good).



Which brings me to the thoughts about changes. This new job (2 weeks in) has me feeling kind of stressed out and unsure of myself. I have been attempting to slow down and remind myself that this is in fact a new job and I'm not expected to be perfect-yet (the desire for doing things perfectly is my issue, not the jobs). Just like baking a cake, I can do this as long as I follow directions and not deviate too far in the my own direction-not yet at least. For someone who claims to not be able to bake and not be fond of change yesterday was proof that I can do anything, as long as I am patient and am willing to learn new things. The bonus? I might even find that I enjoy it (if only working came with icing and a cherry on top).

May 27, 2009

Shameless Self Promotion

In case you haven't already heard, Anarchy in a Jar is gearing up for the summer picking and preserving season. You can keep up with us here.


Photo Courtesy of the very talented Emma McCarthy

(and isn't it kind of creepy the way the eyebrow blends in with my hair? just sayin')

May 26, 2009

Time Flies

Where has May gone?
Before this month completely disapears I want to note a few things. It was in May that I first arrived in this city. The lilacs were in full bloom and the weather was glorious. I walked aimlessly around the city trying to soak up what I could and take in my new home. Fast forward one year, the lilacs once again appeared on every street corner and at every green market but this time they were a welcome signal that Spring had arrived. A lovely purple reminder that winter had passed and I had survived it. I stopped to smell as many as I could and marveled at the way they could perfume an entire city block (no small feat in an early May heat wave). I could talk about Spring in the city for hours, I am so impressed by the way the flowers keep coming. Waves of color that started with the forsynthia, moved onto to daffodils and crocus and blooming trees and now the roses. Oh, the roses. But I digress.
The anniversary of my first year in NYC coincided with my last day at my first job. I celebrated the closing of this chapter with the first hot dog of the season on Canal Street. It was heavenly.
A quick trip to California mid month made me realize that no matter how far from home I may be, it is always there-welcoming and comforting and well, home. I love knowing those familiar mountains, glorious palm trees and loving faces are only a plane ride away. And I continue to marvel the way that friendships seem to evolve and deepen, despite the distance. Perhaps due to the changes that occured this month, or maybe the extra time on my hands (loved that week between jobs!) but I suddenly realized that I have made New York my home in one short year. A home that I love (almost) as much as the ones I left on the West Coast.

May 8, 2009

365 Days

I have been in NYC for exactly one year.

May 7, 2009

Ways to Charm Me

Flowers bursting out of every corner market.

May 6, 2009

May 4, 2009

May 1, 2009

Por Ejemplo

Ways to Charm Me

Blossoms blowing in the wind. Like snow, but better.