Just Add Water

Baked Pork Tenderloin

From The Bob Green Best Life Diet Cookbook: Baked Pork Tenderloin 4 cloves garlic 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp chili powder 2 tbsp dark br sugar 1tsp ground cumin 1 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 lb pork (tenderloin or other boneless cut) 1. Combine all ingredients except pork in a food processor and process until it becomes a paste, about 2 min. 2. Rub the pork with the mixture and allow to marinate at room temperature for 1 hr or in fridge for up to 24 hrs. 3. Preheat oven to 375 deg. F. 4. Place in baking pan and bake for 20 - 25 min (140 deg). Note: we grilled chops, rather than baking pork loin. The rub was incredible.

Friday, August 21, 2009

I've really been trying to figure out what I am doing and what I want out of photography, these past few weeks. Of course, I feel this sense of urgency all the time, like everything is passing me by (while I'm sitting at home taking care of my children). Every time I read about someone who has gotten their photography business off the ground, I get a pang inside, like "when is that going to happen for me?" Of course, we have basically just moved into our new house (new to us, anyway), and I am, after all, the mother of 22 month old twins (I'll ride that train for as long as I can). But I had a really good talk with my husband and a friend that helped me to identify some near-term goals that will keep me moving in the direction (of professional photography) and will keep me feeling like I am accomplishing something. Anything. 

A Room of Her Own

Something that I really struggle with as a creative mama is finding space (both physical and psychic) for my creative endeavors. I think that my husband would say much the same thing... this is something that struggle with daily. How do I make time for photography? When am I going to sew those clothes for Lena? I am consistently amazed by those mothers who are able to write books and sail the seven seas with children in tow. 

I ran across this article in Apartment Therapy, and found it very inspirational. I love the color in her room... it makes me want to go right upstairs and set up my sewing studio!

 Creative Space: Studio 2.0, from Soule Mama

June 24, 2008

June 23, 2008

Sometimes the universe speaks

Not to long after my last post, my husband told me that I was doing a great job, caring for our children, being a mom, hanging in there. In my head, I started my usual litany of denials to this complement, and it must have showed on my face, because he then asked me who would have to tell me this in order for me to believe it.

You see, I have this problem. I don't believe people when they compliment me. I don't believe that they are being honest, only that they are being nice. The reasons for this stem from my youth, and don't need to explored here, but suffice it to say that I rarely believe that I'm doing a good enough job, at anything.

I thought about what my husband said, and in that moment, I honestly didn't know who it would take to tell me that I was doing a good job in order for me to believe it. Then the moment passed, and I went on with my day, not really giving it any more thought.

That's when the universe started speaking to me. I got this comment from my friend texasgirl:

girl, every time I carry my bag with me anywhere people ask me about it. you'll get back to it in time. or you'll move on to other things. either way, you'll stay amazing to me. and you're doing a hell of a lot right now--as much as anyone I've ever known with two four-month old babies to care for. :)

it's enough, for now, okay? let it be enough.

and then the next day, got another few comments from women in my mom's group, about what a great job I was doing. That was followed by a woman that I don't even know (from my exercise class) telling me that I was doing an amazing job and should be easier on myself. And finally, I got an e-mail from one friend and a note from another, all telling me the same thing: You're doing fine. Relax. You will have time to do whatever again, and you're doing a lot right now. Your babies are big and healthy and happy. Chill out.

At some point, I realized that the universe was using friends, acquaintances, and even strangers as conduits to talk to me, and tell me that I should accept myself, know that I'm doing a good job, that things are fundamentally O.K.

When the universe speaks, who am I to ignore it? So right now, I'm feeling all right. I'm doing a pretty good job. Thanks for noticing.

 

Finding a creative spark

I've really been struggling with the loss of my sense of self in my new mommy routine, especially since Husband has gone back to work and I spend my days mostly without any adult interaction. Every mother knows what I am learning, which is that my days are completely full of the same few activities, repeated over and over again. Feed, burp, change diapers. Repeat.

I've been trying to find some thing that will allow me to express myself, be creative, interact with adults, and not get lost or go crazy in the circus [that has become my life]. This blog is one outlet, and I've found it's companion, which is to participate in a daily photo journal. (This serves more than one purpose -- can allow me to be creative as well as finally learn how to use my digital SLR and hopefully improve my photography.)

In a previous blog, I said that I wanted to participate in the 365 days group on flickr , but I've changed my mind on that (because I've realized that there is no way that I can take 365 self-portraits), and will be participating in the My 2008 Daily Photo Diary (because I can handle taking one picture everyday).

So here's my first entry. I haven't been accepted to the group yet, so I'm getting started on my own (actually started on Tuesday, but making it official today), with a self-portrait. That's my boy screaming in the Moby wrap, which he was none too fond of today. I'll be posting pictures here and on my flickr stream.