Mind Blowing

Have you ever had your mind blown? My definition of having your mind blown is that a belief you previously held is suddenly changed forever by something. That something could be anything. Mostly for me it's music or art, or something I've read, and especially by other people. Oh, and I can't forget food--I have had my mind blown by food on occasion.

Here are some examples:

When I used fresh grated nutmeg for the first time in a cheese sauce. Later, when I ate the sauce, I could taste the nutmeg and realized that the sauce tasted so much better.

The first time I saw the Grateful Dead live.

The movie Star Wars.

The first time I held my baby in my arms and knew just who he looked like.

The first time I felt like someone really "got" me.

Talking to old friends as if not a moment in time has gone by.

Those are just a few, although, honestly, it happens to me all the time.

Luckily, I still have the ability to be surprised. I still have the ability to have my mind blown. I hope I keep it forever.

Shallow Waters

I am plunging head first into shallow waters. Let's talk American Idol. I am coming out of my reality TV closet. I am going on record: I like some reality TV. I love American Idol. I watch religiously for the first few weeks. I love the audition process, Hollywood week, and the top twenty-four performances. Then my attention starts to wane. By the finale, I'm just bored. So I started to explore why.

In 1977, the musical "Annie" opened on Broadway in New York City. I was nine years old, and lived in New York City. The opening of "Annie" was big New York City news. They had held open auditions, and people I knew had tried out. It was big, big deal. Not surprisingly, most of our family friends were artists, writers, actors, and actresses, and creative people in general. A huge Broadway production with all the markers of a hit--and employing at least ten children--is bound to make a ripple. It was a news story that I followed avidly.

Then, a week before opening, the producers of "Annie" replaced the original actress cast in the role with Andrea McCardle, who had been in the chorus. Gasp! This was shocking news! So, we witnessed a star being born. Andrea McCardle appeared on TV shows and sang "Tomorrow" like an angel. I don't think anyone has performed it as well since.

I saw that musical on Broadway. I missed Andrea McCardle, but did see Sarah Jessica Parker in the role. I have a similar feeling when I watch American Idol. I guess I like watching a star being born. I think I've mentioned that I take a lot of pleasure in seeing people do things well. When one of those contestants gets out there and shuts it down, I get excited. It makes me happy.

On the other hand, the judging bores me. I hate to admit it, but I miss Paula Abdul's crazy comments. Kara and Randy annoy me. Ellen Degeneres ( I am a fan!) doesn't seem to bring anything to the table. I think I am beginning to see the end of American Idol. The format seems stale this year. Too bad, because watching a star being born is quite an experience.

Soup!!

One of the things that makes me feel cozy is making soup. It's one of my favorite things to make, especially on wintry days. This winter we've been eating a lot of soup. There has been an abundance of wintry days this season in Iowa. We have had two and a half feet of snow on the ground since Christmas. The attempt to make our home a cozy den of happiness this winter by making soup and cocoa is coming to a end. The charm has worn thin.

However, I will continue to make soup. I think soup is a near perfect food. You can put almost anything in soup and it's going to taste good. It can be healthy and your kids won't even complain. Serve with a nice crusty loaf of bread and you're in business. So I thought I would share one of my soup recipes that is yummy. It sounds weird, but I promise you it's delicious.


Cucumber Soup a la Smith

Ingredients:

1 cup diced Canadian bacon or any other ham-type stuff. Make sure it's high quality.

1 or 2 diced cucumbers (seeded and peeled)

1 quart chicken stock or broth

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

2 tsp toasted sesame oil


Brown the bacon in a little olive oil until crispy. Add the chicken broth and vinegar. Add the cucumbers. Cook the cucumbers until they are soft but still crisp.

Drizzle 2 tsp of sesame oil over the soup before serving. Serve with delicious crusty bread.

Easy and delicious. Enjoy!