The Random Kitchen Shot

 

I was scrolling through my pictures on Picasa, on the lookout for a not so perfect kitchen shot and became very much aware of the fact that photos in the kitchen don't really happen unless there is a good reason. This one stopped me short. There was no good reason. I studied it for quite some time, trying to figure out what in the world I was making . . . because that is when you take a photo, right?

I finally figured out that I was not making something . . .  I was cleaning up! All of the randomness, such as the stacked pots and dirty empty platter, fell into place. Suddenly I could even guess what we had for dinner!

Funny, the story a random picture can tell. Like the bottled water on the counter . . . something I never buy because we have perfectly good water coming out of the tap. . . but I remember one time we had to resort to it for several days due to a contaminated water warning . . . and the proof is there. I can tell that family with a baby was visiting because of the can of formula on the counter. And the thing that really bugs me, just as it does in real life, is my habit of leaving drawers and doors open as I work. Its not too bad here . . . but sometimes there are a lot of open cupboards when I cook.

So there you see my random, messy kitchen . . . but you're still welcome to drop in! I'll clean quick and make some coffee.

Oh Happy Day!

Behind the Cooking Scene

I wish I’d documented some of the funny moments of a combo cook / food photographer in the kitchen already. As we are working on our second cookbook now, these moments become normal routine, especially since my close friends all have the same stories. As I write, I'm thinking its not unlike how moms of toddlers go through their days thinking I'll never forget the funny thing that happened yesterday . . . and yet . . . one day follows another and one does forget what was said or what made you blink twice.

 

It could just be that those who read through a recipe on the blog or the book just imagine an invisible elf photographer hanging around, or maybe a camera installed in the ceiling. I can't tell you how many times I’ve thought about those options. But the reality is that there is no professional keeping an eye on what happens as we mix and roll and stir and taste. The overall concept of what is important to document in a photo is still up to the cook, making the job just a bit more challenging.

 

I caught myself and laughed out loud into the phone recently as I had the phone tucked in between my chin and shoulder . . . my left hand pinching buns . . .  my right hand holding the camera and my eye peering into the viewer. I always hope that if I happen to be on the phone, the person on the line does not hear the clicking, even though it is right by my face.

 

Then there are the times when my hubby comes in for dinner and notices nice napkins or something different, only to ask if its photo time first. He has become quite perceptive to these things. One day his comment was that he'd just go and mow the lawn in the meantime! I’m glad that usually it’s only him I have to worry about. I can’t imagine if I had a family waiting for me to finish or if I had to think about teen-agers finishing off a cake before I was done with it.

 

The whole drama around the photos is intensified when I think about photos going into a cookbook. No kidding, I can get up and look at the kind of day it is to determine if it’s a photo worthy day. Is the lighting good today or is it too dark? Do I mix up a recipe and hope the sun will come out to brighten the kitchen? Yes, the ironic thing about the whole cooking episode is not how the food turned out, but how the photos portray the food. The meal may have turned out quite tasty, but if the “roll” of photos does not pass my critiquing eye, we will most likely have to make another meal just like it.

 

So far I’ve not heard too many complaints from my waiting / observing audience, but my own thoughts of indecisiveness warring within me are the ones I struggle with. . . always trying once more for that perfect elusive shot that remains in my mind’s eye only. I’m learning as I go. The second or third photo session does not always turn out better and I resort to the first try, but in the meantime we are eating quite well. I can say I’ve worked hard for every inch clinging to my "cookbook" tummy.

 

Morning Routine Changed Up

 

These past few days have included our oldest grandkids taking up their mom's,

 auntie Kristal's  and uncle Ben's old bedrooms.

It's funny how the rooms still get connected to their previous owners 

but I think the kids like it that way. 

The bathroom with the two sinks still comes in quite handy as well.

 

And the thing I'm proud of is that we've made it through the morning routine

and into the car by eight, to get to school.
Just sayin . . .
anything I get done by that time in the morning deserves bonus points.

(But then,  I think you already knew this about me.)

Where I Walk

I've walked this path close to our home for many years.

Countless mornings I've been joined by a friend
 who lives in a house just down the road . . .
in fact, by the end of this (school) year we will have shared
100 seasons of walking.

This friend is a lover of birds and never ceases to amaze me with what she sees.
 

In the middle of a conversation she will stop and take not of a rare variety of a tiny bird in the bush, a crane on a stump in the lake or a wood duck amongst the mallards . . . all the while I'm glad if I can figure out the difference between a goose and a duck.

Last week, one morning as we walked in the rain, we came to a stop and had to take a detour, as the lake had overflowed onto the path. We laughed at the ducks frolicking on our path. 

 

I love this path . . .

the benches . . .

the pond . . . more visible as the leaves come down . . .

the little picnic tables . . .

the variety of tall trees and messy underbrush . . .

and the changing colors through the seasons.

On this particular day, the carpet of gold laid out for us, made me feel like
 we were treading on holy ground . . .
 almost afraid to crush the effect by walking on it.

Soon these trees will be bare and possibly covered in snow.
The snow will melt and before long fresh lime-green growth will appear.
Seasons are an integral part of life . . .
at the moment made more real by the reality that
 a SOLD sticker is plastered onto the For Sale sign at
the house just down the road.

But a plan is in place that when she moves to the other part of town next week,
 she will get in her car . . . three mornings a week . . .
 rain or shine . . . my doorbell will ring
 and we'll continue our walk
one season at a time.

 

For the Season

I picked through my clothes closet again with the hope of sharing a few favorites to mix and match into a cooler weather wardrobe. In reality, this is not a waste of time because realizing what combinations are hidden in your closet can be an encouraging eye opener and save time on a day when you just don't have time to think.

One of my newest favorites is a pair of leather boots I picked up on clearance at Target. They are comfortable, casual and go with almost anything.

In my possession is also an older black pair that are not as versatile and, to tell the truth, sometimes I feel like a Mini Mouse wearing them, but I keep hoping they look better than they feel. Ha ha.

The second item to check off the list, is a few of pairs of tights or leggings in various shades and textures , if you like. Tights lend themselves to a warmer, more casual look with wool - like skirts and sweater dresses. I love that they come in so many shades, but my personal opinion is that one has to be careful that the color is not overpowering, but blends in with the rest of the outfit. You want to notice the skirt, dress or top before you  notice the color of the legs. The tights can be the same color as the sweater to balance out a color.

 One classic neutral or plaid skirt that goes with many different tops can give you many options to dress up or down. An old skirt can feel new with a new top.

 

 No need to purchase an eternity scarf. Pick out your favorite old scarf and tie the ends together. Pull it over your head, twist and pull it over once or twice again. Bring the knot to the front and tuck it in or let it show.

A larger type of sweater to throw on is great for when you have to run out quick.

and an endless assortment of cardigans.
Oh my . . . these are my weakness!
The hardest to get rid of because you never know when you will need just the one.
 You may as well call me Mrs. Rogers. I can never have too many of these! 

 

And the classic basic  . . .  a good pair of jeans ... again easy to dress up or be casual.

And here you have a few ideas put together with a pair of jeans, a skirt and five sweaters . . .
thanks to a beautiful Fall day and my grinning and able photographer!

So . . . I've probably said this before, but go ahead and take an hour to check out your closet. Get rid of what you really do not like, because you won't wear it. Try on a few combinations . . .  try them with different shoes or boots, sweaters and scarves.

See what is missing and make a mental note or, if your memory has become a sieve like mine, a written list is good to keep from buying what you don't need.

Just knowing that there are possibilities in my de-cluttered closet, keeps me from the urge to browse the mall. And that's a good thing.  Maybe that's why he does not mind playing his part. There are photos . . . for when I don't have a thing to wear.