Honest writing.

I shared this through e-mail with friends who are writers, visual artists, sonic artists, and creators by nature, but I realized this is something I'd like my friends in cyberland to also check out. If you have followed Madame Munchies for a while, you know I think the world of Molly Wizenberg, food writer extraordinaire and the creative force behind the blog, Orangette. While the topic speaks to her own struggle to write I think the theme permeates throughout all of our journeys, escpecially for those who create. If you have some time, snuggle up with your favorite mug of tea/coffee or other beverage and soak this post in. You won't regret it.

This very topic has been of particular interest to me for quite some time - I find myself wanting to spend more time creating, whether it's writing, singing, playing the piano, making food, working on new zine ideas, knitting, etc. but have chosen to spend my free time doing other things instead (for various reasons, my friends). But I've noticed too that when I do create, my overall outlook and mood is much more positive. Reading this post also nudges me to finally read Bird by Bird. Thought this was kinda odd, considering I was discussing Anne Lamott over the weekend with some new pals at a BBQ. Coincidence?!? I think not.

Jive Talk.

Sometimes I wish there were enough hours in the day to enjoy all the simple things in life and thank God for blogging because we can share them with one another. Here are some things I've been jiving on lately. Feel free to share your favorites too!

Jen Lee's latest blog post is priceless. She has a way with words and every time I read her posts I get the sense that I should stop whatever else I'm doing because it isn't nearly as important as soaking in her inspiration and humble words.

The Wednesday Chef's latest blog post will make you smile. It's nice to be reminded again and again of the simple pleasures in life even in the midst of a "perfect" day as a wedding can be.

I will never get bored looking at Etsy's home page, which features different sellers practically on the hour. The handmade world is so under-appreciated.

I have yet to try the recipes but I am constantly saving recipes from Melissa Clark's column, A Good Appetite featured in the NY Times.

Finding out that Tori Amos has finally shared her U.S. tour dates, you'll know where to find me on December 17th and 18th.

** Flower arrangements above are my first ones. I learned how to do it when I visited my mommy in May. Thanks Tracy!

Blog Challenge No. 7: Intention.

Haven't we all heard the phrase, "I had the best of intentions" at one point or another?


Several years ago, my mom turned me on to the idea of creating/making intentions for one's life instead of resolutions or goals. The idea being that we rarely ever make good on those resolutions, they usually end up becoming a revolving door of resolutions instead of concrete change.


At the end of 2009, I made a list of things I was letting go of in 2010. Most of these were negative issues/things/relationships in my life and to commerate that "letting go" ritual I burned the list on my dad's front porch on December 31, 2009.

And of course, I made a list of intentions for 2010. I recently took a peek back at that list to see what, if anything, I had accomplished or at least set the wheels in motion on. To my surprise there were several intentions I was able to cross off my list:

• Locate and move into a fabulous vintage apartment in SilverLake or Los Feliz.
• Obtain a permament paralegal position.
• Continue writing my food blog on a weekly basis.

It also afforded me the time to check in with myself and see where I stood with respect to other intentions that may have been put on the back burner. I find myself asking if these intentions are something I still want to pursue? Is it realisitic? Do any of these intentions take precedent over others? I guess you could say I'm re-evaluating my intentions. That's the beauty of this list - nothing is set in stone, priorities do change, life happens, and we can modify, delete or start fresh any time we want or see fit. Kinda like a recipe, it's always good to try it as written, but there is such a thing as a "bad" recipe and sometimes it requires tweeking or creativity, just like life.

This also reminds me of the fact that I'm human, I possess no super power and I am only one person. Perhaps I won't "finish" every intention I have made for the year, but perhaps I will begin the process one way or another. Which brings me to another thought - I'm not perfect. Not even remotely close. I'm not ever going to be either, just in case you thought otherwise. In fact, I need to stop, breathe and pat myself on the back for what I have accomplished, not beat myself up for what's "lacking". Am I preaching to the choir or what?!? I hope you are able to take the time, have a spot of tea (or coffee or wine) an reflect, re-write or write new intentions.