How to Grow Brain Cells
I’m exhilerated. I’m amazed. I’m middle-aged and I’m still building new brain pathways! When I started playing this mind game, which helps me fall asleep, I thought I must have been taught it by someone. But no one I’ve asked has ever heard of it. I googled it, and couldn’t find it. So, maybe I actually did invent this. Have you ever heard of it? It’s a visualization that helps me drift off to sleep when my mind is running fast on too many great ideas. Counting sheep was just too easy–I could do that all night long without slowing …
Thank you to my friends who express themselves
Reading “The Art of Travel” by Alain de Botton has re-introduced me to the thought-provoking and inspiring writings of John Ruskin (1819-1900). He has got me thinking again about something I can never seem to explain-why I blog and post; and why I read your blog or your posts (you whose blog and/or facebook posts I read, and/or whose art or photography I admire, you know I mean YOU). Seeing through another person’s eyes makes us more compassionate people. But I can only see through other peoples’ eyes, if they notice, and then attempt to describe, what they’ve seen or …
Ice Cream Without a Maker–Soufflé Glacé
Soufflé Glacé au Grand Marnier is a classic French frozen ice cream souffle (“au Grand Marnier” is optional, it means “scented with orange liquor.”) This is rich and delicious ice cream. The churning/whipping happens before freezing, eliminating the need for an ice cream maker. I used both a hand mixer (a Braun handheld with the whip attachment) and a stand mixer (with whip attachment), for speed in putting this together. If you don’t have both, simply wash the beaters after whipping the egg yokes/sugar/milk, and then whip the cream. But you’ll still need two large bowls. I adapted this recipe from …
Choosing a doctor: inspect the merchandise
So, the doctor and I are chatting in the doctor’s office. I’m here to check him or her out–to inspect the practice, to find out whether I’m comfortable with the way this doctor treats patients. (This is Part 3 of my series on “shopping for a doctor.” If you’re looking for part 1, click here. For part 2, click here.) I ask how much experience the doctor has with fibromyalgia (and any other conditions or specific questions I have) and how he prefers to treat it. The doctor had better know at least as much as I know. The doctor …
Weekend Falafel
My weekly day off, you’ll find me cooking up a storm. To keep the weekend relaxing, I’ve learned to prepare ahead so that my day of rest doesn’t feel hectic and rushed. Last week I posted what I did to prepare ahead for this meal, to make the complicated fiesta–Falafel with whole wheat pita (everything from scratch)–feel like less work. To see last week’s post, click here. Here’s the recipe for the falafel (serves 3, double or triple it, if you need to): • a hefty 1/2 cup dried chickpeas (3-1/2 ounces), soaked overnight (chickpeas are the one-and-only beans I presoak), …
And on my day off, I cook
This is the season for reflection and reassessment. And I’ve been thinking about the notion that weekends ought to be all about good food and relaxing. Once a week, I’ve decided to take a no-work day, which, for me means no writing (despite that I love my work). Cooking, however is not work for me–it’s pleasure. Mostly because Ken does most of the cooking and kitchen work during the week (I know, lucky me!) so by Sunday, I’m itching to get into the kitchen to play around. For the past weeks on my day off, I’ve also entirely put away the …
Seeking Great Cookbooks
It’s no secret I love to read–poetry, fiction, memoir, philosophy, history, biography, mushroom field guides, anything–as long as it’s well-written. I can’t choose a favorite genre, but an exceptionally great cookbook would always be at the top of my list of favorite reads. These are my requirements for a great cookbook: Written by a terrific cook with a passion for high-quality ingredients– The writer has enough skill to transport me into a food reverie, with more than just good recipes. The stories and descriptions should make me think of people I love, make me remember the times I’ve delighted in …
Leaders, we need YOU!
Dream. Believe. Lead. Even if you are not personally interested in becoming a skilled leader/advocate, please take just one minute to pass this on right now to everyone you think might be interested. Those of us who suffer from pain NEED leaders now, to help us achieve our dream of a better future for everyone who has fibromyalgia and chronic pain. I learned just this morning that the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association if offering full tuition scholarships, valued at $1400, to attend the 5th annual Leaders against Pain national training program in Washington D.C. November 6-9, 2012. Former graduates of this …
Choosing a doctor: visit the shop
When I shop for a doctor, I dress for the occasion–it’s a job interview. I’m the interviewer, and I want the interviewee to want the job. I’m offering an opportunity to be my personal health care consultant. (This is part 2 of a 3-part blog on choosing a doctor. You can read part one by clicking on this link.) I dress professionally, because I don’t want my doctor to see me as a sick person who can’t pull herself together enough to dress appropriately for a professional meeting. I want her to see me as the put-together, competent woman I …
Who in the world is Hoppin’ John?
I have no idea what inspired me to throw together a batch of hoppin’ john this morning. And I don’t know why it’s called that dumb name. If you want to make this, you’ll need: Black-eyed peas (preferably dried, canned are all right, too); Some fresh vegetables, minced. Choose from: red or green sweet pepper, jalapeno pepper, celery, onion, tomato, garlic, scallions, chives. Any combination of some of them. Dressing: Blend 2/3 cup vinegar + 1/3 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon salt (I did NOT salt the peas while they were cooking, so this is not a huge amount of salt) in …