Friday, September 25, 2009

On Entering Year Two...

There is Mr. Ackermann...



and Ms. Ackermann...



and to celebrate the fact that this fact has been in existence for one year now, we whisked ourselves on down to Portlandia. The highlights included:



amyo/tinyrage at the T:B:A festival was an hour of intense dance, image and sound. Amy's commitment and creativity are an inspiration. John especially loved the Japanese schoolgirl outfits, big shocker!



The Saturday Market was filled with music, food and art, some great, some horrible.



Lastly, our Anniversary dinner at Beast. The ladies of Beast presented us with a six course meal based loosely on Julia Child's first days in Paris.

Oh, heavens.

We started with a late summer gazpacho with shaved Chorizo, followed by a fantastic charcuterie plate which led us to the main course. We affectionately nicknamed it "ground meat, mixed with ground meat, wrapped in pounded out meat, wrapped in meat", which essentially describes the dish. Ground veal and lamb are wrapped in pounded out veal, then wrapped in pancetta, served with a reduction sauce, chanterelle mushrooms and sauteed greens.

The first bite was like a teeny, tiny moment of rapture.

I will say, it was almost too heavy. The strength of the flavors did not balance well with the amount of food in the dish, leaving you slightly overwhelmed. Lucky for us, the following course of Frisee Salad with Poached Egg was a nice reprive. The cheese course came next, with lovely small amounts of rich, deep flavored goodness accompanied by the sweetest grapes I've ever tasted.

And then, of course, dessert.

Dessert was a brown butter crepe filled with house made chocolate-hazelnut filling, topped with both house made ice cream and creme fraiche. John adored this sweet thing, but I was only whelmed.

Overall the dinner, with mouth-satifying wine pairings, was a winner. It was the greatest meal of my life, so far.

To think, this was only year one. So many adventures, and meals, to come.

xoxo taw

Friday, August 14, 2009

Finding a Groove

This summer has rocked.

I recall beautiful blue skies, spontaneous bike rides, new homes, revised routines, swimming and sunning and exploring. Yes, there was the occasional soul-crushing heat wave, but we mustn't fret about the little things, no?

This season I found a groove, one I really love. I'm planning on carrying it through to Fall. (FYI, Seattle is currently playing "Fall" in an eponymous show, to rave reviews).

And now, for some announcements:

My New iBaby:

Last evening, my sweet husband casually suggested we should buy me an iPod Touch. That very evening. Well, let's just say he wins huge points in the "Great Idea" category. This morning's bus ride was heaven as I enjoyed some Mad Men and african music. Not at the same time, mind you. Best commute ever.

So, why is my husband feeling so generous you ask? Maybe because tomorrow we will be buying him one of these:



Son of a gun, my man is finally getting his mandolin! We started raising funds at the beginning of the year, raised quite a bit on his birthday (thanks friends!), and now we are finally going all the way!!! Ahhhh!

And also, there is this:



Moxie is leaving on a jet plane for 5 weeks. I will listen to Joni Mitchell weekly in her honor. Bring me back some macarons, Mox!



Well, I'm off to download crazy apps for my new iBaby. Any suggestions?

Love, TAW

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Balance



Today the universe gave me a little wink. It was the kind of gesture, or event, or sea change that tells you that sometimes the good guys win. And yet, I stand before you not gloating or relishing other people's struggles. I feel really, really bad that this certain someone is hurting... and yet I know this hurt is of their own making. Somehow, that doesn't make me feel any better, it simply strengthens my resolve to try to stay above the fray.

Finding the balance in all of this, that is my challenge.

love, taw

Thursday, April 16, 2009

my afternoon of insanity



wow.

i won't go into detail, but let's just say i indulged in a fantasy today, then realized how insane it all was. or is. uh.

that being said, there was a glorious moment, however fleeting, where i felt on top of the world.

the lessons learned: fantasies are great, but not always worth the aftermath; hindsight... yep, just about 20/20; and i have a juicy, satisfying life as it is (and as it is evolving).

oh, and we're moving to ballard!

love, taw

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Some thoughts on 2009


Ah, Darling 2008, what a run we had! The frolocking, that marriage, good friends, new adventures... well. I was slightly misty at our farewell, old friend.

But then, you know, there is 2009. She could be an odd one. So I resolve to face her head on and accept what she wants to send my way. I mean, I've got a kick ass partner-in-crime who's got my back! I gots no worries, right?

(Yes, I know, I'm the Artful Worrier. It's actually in my job description to worry...)

So for 2009:

-just a tad less worrying, ok?
-more emphasis on doing, less on thinking about doing
-lots and lots of smiles and laughter
-learn something new everyday, and write down thoughts about that knowledge
-kiss JDA numerous times a day
-cherish friends and family through quality time and better communication
-that other thing...

Ok, 2009, you're on!