I love the brief and inspirational favorites post listed monthly by Heidi Swanson at 101Cookbooks. It gets me thinking about things I adore, too, and I love the idea of stopping to reflect on the good things, even just for a moment. Here are some things that have inspired me, brought comfort, or made me smile recently. Here’s to hoping this will be a monthly post . . .
Movie: Young@Heart; these folks are my inspiration for aging. Guess I better getting singing.
Television: Upstairs, Downstairs, the 2011 version from BBC/PBS Masterpiece. Finally able to clear this off the DVR. What a lovely way to pass the time folding a very daunting pile of laundry. Do I really have to wait until next year for more episodes?
Music: 21 by Adele. Wow, that girl can sing. It’s really that good folks.
Technology: Evernote. A web-based, storage and organizing site that I find myself using for everything from keeping track of recipes, to planning and keeping track of the ideas for new bedroom decor that we are promising to our soon-to-be 10-year old. So many possibilities for usefulness.
Adult Literature: Just starting The Help by Kathryn Stockett . . . first book in a few months where I find myself longing to find time to read it. So far, I find it reminding me of Sue Monk Kidd’s works, which I have just adored. It sounds like many other readers have felt the same way.
Kid Literature: I just finished books four and five in the 26 Fairmount Avenue autobiographical series by Tomie dePaola. Gosh, I love that guy and he really tells a story as if he’s sitting next to you. The illustrations are pure delight. Great early chapter read-aloud books, and good for emerging independent readers to try on their own.
Recipe: Oh, my goodness, rhubarb in a devine vegetarian entree: Indian-spiced Chickpeas with Rhubarb and Spinach. As my husband said, the most unusual and delicious thing he’s had in a while.
Kitchen tool: My garlic press. Worth every penny, given how much I hate to chop garlic, and by the look and feel of it, it should last ages, unlike cheaper ones with plastic. Easy to press, and easy to clean. And yes, I know mincing isn’t the same as pressed garlic, but frankly, I just don’t care!
Things I’m looking forward to: Summer weather arriving and staying in Seattle, the onslaught of July birthdays in our family (a forty-year old husband, a seven-year old daughter, and six-year old nephew), and our California road trip.
Not For Lunch 