"The fruit of your own hard work is the sweetest." — Deepika Padukone I agree that hard work can produce some pretty sweet results. This quote is an analogy; it's not really talking about fruit that grows on a tree; it's talking about hard work and results. Recently, though, I had a chance to do some hard work with real fruit, and let's just say the results were not entirely … [Read more...] about From the Deep End: Finding my jam
FROM THE DEEP END
From the Deep End: Deconstructing the dinner party
“It doesn’t really matter what the occasion is — big or small — but it’s the connections that we have… Entertaining isn't just about making dinner parties. It's about celebrating those connections, and I think that's what makes life worth living." — Ina Garten I adore Ina Garten's books and always tried to catch her on the Food Network because while her food was always … [Read more...] about From the Deep End: Deconstructing the dinner party
From the Deep End: Beaches, birthdays, and bonding
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” — Jane Howard The humidity and sweltering heat broke a little this past week, and a perfect Saturday of blue skies and sea breezes emerged from the long siege of stinky, sweaty air. It was a gift from the universe, as it happened to fall on the same … [Read more...] about From the Deep End: Beaches, birthdays, and bonding
From the Deep End: Finding your comfort zone
“Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I don’t think they had them back when Longfellow was around, but this poem always sounds like someone who downed six energy drinks and is flailing around the room like a squirrel having a seizure. It’s good to … [Read more...] about From the Deep End: Finding your comfort zone
FROM THE DEEP END: A first time for everything
"Whenever a thing is done for the first time, it releases a little demon." — Emily Dickinson A demon? What kind of a demon? I recently bought a package of snacks I've never had before. They are small balls of crushed corn chips, potato chips, and pretzels covered with chocolate. I am getting a little demonic as I try to find places to hide them so I don't scarf down the … [Read more...] about FROM THE DEEP END: A first time for everything