Mit, Mitter, Mittany - It's Me!

Cookin’ not talkin’

2011-09-18T19:11:00.000-05:00

I cooked something amazing the other night … and I thought about writing about it … but I didn’t. And now I don't remember what I cooked. Maybe it was the soy/maple glazed pork chops that I grilled – w/apricot/ginger/cinnamon/brown mustard seed/and star anise spiked couscous. Or – the apricot/whiskey/pork chops, or the orange marmalade crushed red pepper pork chops with … roasted

Uncomfortably Squishy

2011-06-22T21:35:00.000-05:00

Ok … here goes. I’m going to tell all. (Some of you think I’ve always told all … but really, it’s just that I don’t have a filter.) Or maybe, it’s what YOU think is important/sacrosanct … isn’t what *I* think is sacrosanct and important.) (OMG … ALREADY … TWO SENENTENCES IN, I HAVE A DIGRESSION) So! … Now we know why people have different personalities – and disagreements – and start

Little Steps

2011-01-25T20:12:00.000-05:00

It's been a while. At the moment I am procrastinating. So I thought I'd include you. This is a weekly meme. "You say, I think." Girlfriend :: too much effort Crushed :: ice Source :: of frustration Corner :: market Gossip :: girl Encounter :: of the 3rd Kind Make an offer :: Have it refused Stylish :: Audry Hepburn Profit :: Loss Waste :: water

Best Pasta Ever ...

2010-06-18T06:01:00.003-05:00

or I was really hungry. It was also really, really quick to throw together. I boiled some fettuccine - but you could use anything. Conchiglie - (pasta shells) or orecchiette would also work. In a pan with a little olive oil I caramelized some onions and pine nuts. I cut the onion in long slices instead of a dice. At the very end I added some big chunks of garlic. When the pasta was

Food Wednesday - Change!

2010-06-16T06:03:00.000-05:00

Did you miss me? It's been busy. I'll just let you stare at this new look - and return later with something about food.

Show me the shine in your Japan, the sparkle in your China

2010-04-26T11:54:00.007-05:00

Bodhisattva This weekend I went up to DC and met up with a group of friends. Throughout the week (maybe) I'll post more about the trip. I think of all the things we did, the hour spent in the Freer Art Museum has the biggest impact on me. Bodhisattva Would you take me by the hand Bodhisattva Would you take me by the hand Can you show me The shine of your Japan The sparkle of your china

Have we talked about perfection?

2010-04-09T06:26:00.004-05:00

So - I've been called a perfectionist. And I always denied it. I don't do ANYTHING perfectly. I am always struggling to "get things right". About six months ago I noticed it was taking me an inordinate amount of time to make up the guest bed. Why? Because I wanted to make sure the top sheet was perfectly even on both sides. And straight at the top and bottom - and the patterns lined up. I had a

And I felt love

2010-03-29T07:36:00.005-05:00

It was such a great weekend. Friday night Chris and I went to a terrific vegetarian Indian Restaurant. We had samosas,Uthappam, vegetable korma, and Palak paneer. It was top notch. Then we went to the store to get a few "last minute" items for Palm Sunday Brunch. As we shopped for food Chris wondered if the light would be bright enough in the kitchen for pictures. "Plenty bright" I told him

Food Wednesday - Smash up!

2010-03-24T11:46:00.004-05:00

So - yesterday night when I got home I wanted to cook. I also wanted to use what was in the house. And think about spring. It's here! It's 40 freakin' degrees. To celebrate - I kidnapped the Good Doctor's Miata and drove it home at high rates of speed with the top down and music blaring. (Yes, it's good to have super short hair!) What did I cook? Yummy. Carrots are an interesting vegetable.

Listen!

2010-03-23T20:14:00.005-05:00

I despair I will ever learn. Several months ago I was grocery shopping with a friend and she saw some whole bean coffee called, "Pumpkin Pie Spice" and said, "Ohhhh - that's such good coffee - and such a great price (because it was January and T-giving was long gone) I'm going to buy two bags." "Is it really good?" I asked. Because you see - I'm not a huge fan of flavored coffees. Although I

Own it!

2010-03-20T15:40:00.005-05:00

One of the things you hear in creative corners is, "It's all been done before" ... and then a lot of gnashing of teeth. We're constantly being told to "make it your own" - even though there are only a few basic story lines in this world. YOURS has to be different. Same with cooking. How can you make the same ingredients "different". And different in a way that works - harmoniously. I read

Food Wednesday - Green Day!

2010-03-17T05:46:00.006-05:00

So here they are singing "Food Around the Corner". What's this got to do with Food Wednesday? Well - today is St. Patty's day, right? A "green day". Or it could be about spring - and CSA (community supported agriculture) - and a "green day" for eating local and sustainable produce. Or it could be referring to my favorite local brewery - Full Steam. Who's motto is "Plow to Pint". They're not

Food Wednesday - How to be Successful

2010-03-10T08:23:00.002-05:00

Some people don't like to cook. Too much effort, too many dirty dishes - and I guess for them, not enough payoff in terms of flavor and presentation. The last two items are the biggest reasons I cook. I like FLAVOR. I can't stand SALT. Too many places think salt IS flavoring. I also can't stand "gloppy" - which is what they think sauces should be - but not me. I also want my meal to look nice on

Getting ahead

2010-03-09T08:16:00.002-05:00

Well, I WANTED to be here at work at 7:30 am yesterday morning. Instead I was here about 7:50. Need to do a little work on that. Good weekend. I went with two friends down to IKEA in Charlotte. This is what I bought for my office. This is for my desk or my credenza This is it's big brother for my floor These will go on my desk to hold things like rubber bands .. And finally three

Well, I survived the first week.

2010-03-08T08:37:00.003-05:00

Well, I survived the first week. What can I tell you about where I'm working? They move FAST. Really, really fast. The corporate culture is a combination of cheerleader squad and programming moles. What dose that mean? It means every new hire is expected to send out an eMail introducing themselves to the 100+ other employees. (I finally did it this morning.) Everyone is chipper, and cheerful,

Food Wednesday - Dinner for One!

2010-03-03T21:50:00.003-05:00

Wow! You have no idea how nice it is to write that! Yesterday I went to bed at 9:30. I read 'till 10pm - then turned off the light. Do you know the last time I was HOME and ABLE to go to bed at 9:30? I can tell you. Not since October (or - maybe during the Christmas holidays). TODAY - I was home by 6:30 pm (because I did some shopping at Target after work). I suspect I'll be heading to bed

Happy Hour on Wednesday -- For a Good Cause

2010-02-09T09:02:00.005-05:00

Please join my friend Dean McCord of Varmint Bites tomorrow, February 10th at Fleming's Steakhouse at Crabtree Valley Mall from 5 to 7 to drink some wine, eat some appetizers, and support the Lucy Daniels Center. Fleming's has a ”Wine Wednesdays” program that supports a different charity each month. This month’s designated charity is the Lucy Daniels Center, the area’s largest non-profit

Guess what I have??

2010-02-08T19:15:00.002-05:00

I have an interview set up for this coming Friday AM. It is with a small but growing medical software company that provides a portal interface with doctor offices so patients can schedule appointments, call in prescription refills, and ask simple medical questions of the doctor office staff. The position I originally applied for was entry level. Upon review of my resume, they are

Surpassing Expectations - Once again

2010-02-05T09:24:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the radio silence yesterday. I guess I used up all my words on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Wednesday Night dinner was a success! I have overcome the jar mentality. Or - maybe I should say the church dinners have convinced the congregation that "Cooked by Mit" is better than the jar. Several people commented that "church spaghetti" was one of their least favorite meals. Too sweet,

Food Wednesday - The Super Bowl Edition

2010-02-03T10:03:00.003-05:00

Even if you don't watch the game, I bet you're going to eat. Me too. Even thought I have Youth Group first. Since I'm going to be late to the party - I'm taking some cookies. Cool cookies - that I wanted to make back in December - and somehow never got around to it. (imagine that). So Molasses Black Pepper Cookies it is! I am also doing puns on the words "Sunday" and "Super" and "Bowl" for

Chef Logic

2010-02-01T10:54:00.023-05:00

So - trying to find rock salt isn't easy. At least if you're lazy before an approaching storm - and don't want to fight the masses at a hardware store. What do you do? You improvise while you're at the grocery store. Which takes you from this: To this with little effort: And if you're smart - you do it when it's at the perfect melt point - so you're shoveling these: It's 36 degrees

Just Add ...

2010-01-31T09:26:00.000-05:00

Friday night it was this ... And I can't believe they really do deliver - 'cause I wouldn't! Today it's the same, but with sunshine Or it looks like this ...

If you're prepared ...

2010-01-29T11:57:00.004-05:00

it doesn't happen, right? Because Mother Nature only likes suckers (or so I hope that's her logic). The beauty of not having TV is that all news is muted. Hysteria is only added by inner-monologue. (of which I am completely void when it comes to news.) The beauty of only listening to Jazz Radio is that all news comes via NPR - with just a dash of local comment. Hysteria doesn't translate

Food Wednesday - the numbers are good

2010-01-27T10:04:00.003-05:00

So - Did I tell you we're getting a new front load washer and dryer at church? We are. Tomorrow. I am so excited. The old dryer died about 3 weeks ago. It and the washer were 15-year old cast-offs from the parsonage. They'd been stored in the basement. A damp basement - as they were rusted in the weirdest places. (Like the dryer door - inside). To say they were temperamental is to be understated.

Heady Memories

2010-01-22T16:52:00.000-05:00

About this time last year I was on a great trip. With this person, and this one, and this one, and she joined virtually for dinner one night. My, the changes a year can bring. A new(ish) knee, a new location (x2), new opportunities, and the renewal of long-time friendships. Cheers to good friends, good food, GREAT wine ... and handymen who make the stripes-in-your-ceiling go away.

Picture this: 150

2010-01-14T10:52:00.003-05:00

A church multi-purpose room full of people eating. 150 people. The cook, who thinks there will only be 2 people helping to clean up, is already back in the kitchen trying to organize the dirty hotel pans, cooking sheets, stock pots, cooking ladles, spoons and spiders. Suddenly someone hails her through the dirty dish window. It's the Good Doctor, aka Dr. Whiney, red-faced, sweaty, and

Food Wednesday ...

2010-01-07T15:53:00.003-05:00

The pity party edition - posted a day late. New Year - New Food - New Recipes - YAY! New Year - trying to cook more simply (professionally). New Year - hoping volunteers will step up to the plate. So far I am at a major fail with the last two items. And severely discouraged. Tonight's menu is "Lazy Chile Rellenos", Spanish Rice, Posole, and Pudding. Or casserole, casserole,

I resolve ...

2009-12-31T09:36:00.004-05:00

to continue to live. You know? I HATE New Year's. H.A.T.E H-A-T-E HATE it. I hate declaring what I need to change/improve in my life publicly. I don't know if it's because I don't want to be held accountable (a STRONG possibility) or because I am undisciplined (I know - a shocker!) or because I am a rebel/stubborn (duh) ... but really. I don't want ANYONE reminding me of what

Hot Chocolate Pudding & Food Wednesday

2009-12-30T11:07:00.005-05:00

Also? It was 22 degrees when I woke up this morning. Currently it's a "toasty" 27 degrees. I might have to keep the heater on today. So - Hot Chocolate Pudding. Ever hear of it? Me neither. I'm going to "make it up" <-- maybe I should test-drive this before serving it next week. We have A TON of Hot Chocolate mix at the church. I fail to see where we'll (meaning "me") ever serve this

Now I've heard it all!

2009-12-27T17:23:00.004-05:00

For Christmas I received two old cookbooks (from the 40s). They are great - in a social-science-project way. I've just started going through the first book - "New American Cookbook" This is what caught my eye in the introduction. "Good meals, attractively served, go a long way towards keeping the family together." Perhaps the current political administration can get on this. Here are

Sunshine day ...

2009-12-23T09:41:00.003-05:00

Oh - and also Food Wednesday, isn't it? There's no cooking for me this week. Or next week. Well, at least not professionally. And sadly not on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, either. I keep trying to tempt Dr. Whiney into letting me make SOMETHING ... but so far the good doctor is holding firm, "NO COOKING!" "NO, NOT ANYTHING, NOT THIS OR THAT, NOT IN A HAT, NOT WITH BACON FAT!"

Food of the ...

2009-12-22T10:28:00.011-05:00

writers. I'm sure the quote is supposed to be food of the God's ... but instead we had a terrific baker among us last night. There was "Let it Snow" coconut cake, Holiday Cheer & Sweet Potato Cake, Whoopie New Year Sandwiches, Cheery & Chocolate Cake, Family is Fruitcake ... and some "Snappy Reply" cookies. Not only was the food good - but the writing was great! It ran the gamut from

Hustle & Bustle

2009-12-21T15:49:00.003-05:00

Isn't there supposed to be a sitting around part with nothing to do where you're unemployed? I'm sure there is! How can it be that I am FURTHER behind on *waves wildly* EVERYTHING right now than if I were working 40 hrs a week? DO NOT mention the word p-r-o-c-r-a-s-t-i-n-a-t-i-o-n ... because I'm sure that has NOTHING to do with my guest room being full of boxes (and home fixer-up-supplies from

No Rants Today

2009-12-18T16:31:00.005-05:00

Aren't you disappointed? I think the funniest reaction was from my father who said, "Holy Shit! Where did that temper come from?" Of course, I looked knowingly* at the old curmudgeon/sledgehammer diplomat and said, "I only strive to exceed your wonderful example!" Today I am doing MORE job searching - there's a marketing manager position open that focuses on "communication with new

Food Wednesday Failure

2009-12-16T11:16:00.006-05:00

So - I have now spent an hour - going to all my favorite food newspapers & blogs trying to find some "perfect" recipe to share with you. I have found NOTHING. Instead, you will have to live with a recounting of my Monday night. After I got done with all the prep work for the Christmas Luncheon for Tuesday, (which went smashingly, btw) I went to the movies. As you all know, I am friends

So Silly it Kills Me!

2009-12-12T08:13:00.005-05:00

This is "A Salt with a Deadly Weapon" messenger bag. Shamelessly lifted from Cornelia Read and her Murderatti Christmas Gift List. In a weird internet stalkerish way, I consider Cornelia a friend. I was introduced to her (writing) by my other good (internet) friend/author Joshilyn Jackson. When Cornelia's first book "A Field of Darkness" came out - I happened to be on my way to Oakland for a

I found it!

2009-12-09T10:54:00.007-05:00

Today - as you know is Food Wednesday. My local paper had an interesting Cilantro Lime Salad dressing - but other than that, nothing inspiring. I don't really have a lot of money to spend on cooking - especially holiday cooking this year - so I've just been ignoring the whole idea. Then - over at the San Francisco Chronicle I read about these cookies: Molasses-Black Pepper CookiesMakes about 54

I'd talk about the weather ...

2009-12-08T08:34:00.003-05:00

but then I'd look kind of silly. Because I want to say HOW COLD IT IS ... (39 at the moment), but as soon as I click on over to Dayton, I find it's 11 degrees there; and Port Angeles is at 33 degrees; so I know I don't have much to say. However - I just looked at Phoenix ... holy cow! 27 degrees? I do believe hell is freezing over. And now that I've started, I guess I might as well

TSTL

2009-12-05T14:50:00.004-05:00

My friend Dilly is here for two nights. She is a vegetarian - so I was looking for an interesting, yet inexpensive dish to make for dinner tonight. I went to one of my favorite magazine recipe sites to look around. I found a great corn/potato chowder recipe. It had pretty good ratings - but I wanted to see what knocked it down from five stars to four stars. So I started reading the reviews.

And it all came to pass

2009-12-03T09:31:00.008-05:00

Good morning ... I see after the torrential rains last night my house and trees are still standing. Kind of like me after the torrential stress of getting dinner cooked last night. (although I heard a big wha-bang and thump last night - so I think I need to look at my roof again, cause I don't see any fallen trees). This is a long story. And I know I haven't been around for a long time. So

Food Riddles that Drive Me Crazy

2009-11-20T14:30:00.004-05:00

You know - I didn't think I've always been interested in food. I mean, I've written before about how I was a pretty picky eater as as a kid - and didn't enjoy much variety in my food selections. So I just assumed I didn't become a "foodie" until third or fourth grade. But today I was discussing food (imagine that!) with a friend - and the topic of "Lit'l Smokie Sausages" came up. This friend was

Rise and Shine ... or

2009-11-19T13:05:00.002-05:00

at least I arose! (and now know what Jesus must have felt like on the third-day) I know it appears that I have fallen off the face of the earth because I have not been blogging (or responding to eMails or phone calls). In reality - I have fallen into "Oh my God - ONE PERSON cannot cook for 170,000 people by themselves hell" (Okay - you caught me. I was exaggerating. 17,000 people.) (You don't

Fascinating Rhythm

2009-11-09T16:29:00.003-05:00

I haven't written - and somehow NABLOPOMO managed to sneak up on me - and I've let it go by. This is the first time in 4 years I haven't participated. Perhaps I've reached the perfect amount of busy. I know there's a sweet spot rhythm for me. Busy enough that I can't procrastinate - but not too busy so I'm overwhelmed. Last week - it felt like I was there (and this week too). Both

Brought to you by Ketchup/Catch-up

2009-10-30T07:59:00.002-05:00

Hello! Yes I am still among the living. Although by the end of Wednesday night I was not so sure. When I last wrote, I thought I'd suffered the biggest insult to my cooking dignity with the chicken nugget/fish-sliders menu. THAT WAS SO MONDAY. And does not even come close to Tuesday's menu atrocity. Once again, I must remind myself (and you) these menus and products (notice how I say products

I which Mit makes the Baby Jesus Cry

2009-10-26T20:31:00.004-05:00

Today ... was MONDAY. In every sense of the word. It stared when the menu (that I didn't make and wasn't asked to confirm ingredients on) listed breakfast as "cereal". Only? There WAS NO cold cereal. Had anyone bothered on Friday, a check of the PANTRY would have revealed that information. (Let us quietly review the "Quick Grits vs. Instant Grits" scene from last week in which COLD

Winging It

2009-10-23T21:28:00.007-05:00

Today I had a major breakfast failure. And that was just at the beginning of the day. Apparently “Quick Grits” aren’t that quick. (who knew?) Of course - I was only too happy to hide behind my "not a Southerner" label for this one. I boiled water. I put dried grits in each serving bowl. I added the boiling water to the grits. I stirred. I was in a hurry. I didn't want to try and cook grits for

That's Chef Sticky to you!

2009-10-22T21:32:00.002-05:00

I have a new temporary gig. I am cooking 65 breakfasts and lunches - and preparing 112 snacks each day. For children. You know I am in heaven (not!) I stepped into this gig at 10:15 Tuesday morning. (I arrived home from California at 1:00 am TUESDAY MORNING) I have been going 100 mph since. It's not just the breakfast/lunch/snack that has me moving at warped spped - there also was

A trip in pictures

2009-10-19T10:34:00.000-05:00

Not much time - and we'll be on the plane. Maybe later in the week I can tell more stories. We left the vineyards of the Central Valley ... And then drove through the valley - where wind fuels the lights. We crossed a bridge or two ... the sky was so blue on this side of the mountains. You'd think this was Montana or Wyoming with our wide expanses. But sooner or later you'll come

There are worse things ...

2009-10-17T13:07:00.000-05:00

than owing a gold mine, I suppose. There is time to reflect on the rape of the earth To enclose your domaine with artful protection To collect samples of stunning specimens from all over the world While you relax at "The Cottage" These images are so going to enrich my story-telling. What an era of machines, and men, and power. Political, hydraulic, and wasteful. But beauty and art are

Day One: Success

2009-10-15T08:38:00.002-05:00

I got up at 4:49 Wednesday morning. Thank God I am one of those people who has a natural alarm clock. I'd set my phone alarm to go off at 4:45 am - and it was on VIBRATE not ring *sigh*. I laid it on the carpeted floor in the guest room. Amazingly enough a vibrating phone on carpeting does NOT act like a alarm. Those lost 4 minutes didn't effect anything - and we were at the airport in plenty of

Ack! We're leaving ...

2009-10-13T11:19:00.006-05:00

and of course, I'm feeling like I'm not ready in the least. Tomorrow at this time, Dr. Whiney, Esq. and I will be on our way to Northern California. He has been on me all summer to take a trip with him out to San Francisco. Of course with the crazy Webinar schedule at my former employer, that wasn't possible. When I got laid off he said, "Let's go now." And I of course had to

Show me! Shelly Mann Modern Jazz Performances

2009-10-07T10:43:00.004-05:00

Today I was pretty sure I'd be holding a pity party in this letter. My day started off early - at six o'clock getting right on my "To-do" list. The first part of that list involved LinkedIn. This is a professional social network community - like FaceBook, but for professionals, and not so fun. One of the things I keep hearing as I go to all of these networking meetings is how LinkedIn is the "

Early Morning Mood

2009-10-06T21:48:00.002-05:00

Today my "Early Morning Mood" (by Chet Baker) is much better than my "last night mood". (although you won't believe that when you get to the end of this eMail) I went to writing class last night. I thought I had a 3-step process for dealing with critiques (when they don't go well) - but when I told my friend about "my three steps" ... it morphed into SEVEN STEPS. (ops!) Step One: Sit and

Ella Fitzgerald - Stormy Weather

2009-10-05T11:25:00.003-05:00

It's fun what you can track on a website. How many people visit you - where they're from - what they read. A new reader from Memphis joined us in the beginning of September - and I just want to say "Hi" - hope you're enjoying lurking here! :) It's a good thing I got all that yard work done on Saturday and Sunday - as we have stormy weather today. As I complained to a friend this weekend - I am

Roy Hargrove Ms. Garvey Ms. Garvey

2009-09-30T09:56:00.006-05:00

Roy is a young guy - or at least a few years younger than me. The song I heard today, Ms. Garvey, Ms. Garvey - is catchy and swinging with that tell-tale big band sound. As I googled around for a video of Roy, I ran across a trailer for his latest album release - "Earfood"! How fitting for a Food Wednesday entry, huh? And speaking of food - man did I do something good last night - if you

Etta James - Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying

2009-09-29T08:35:00.003-05:00

How have I missed talking about Ms. James? This morning I heard, "Don't Let the Sun Catch ..." and was drawn into the coffee rich voice. I zoomed all over the internet trying to figure out who was singing this song. First I found a Ray Charles rendition, but he didn't have the lyric credits. All roads kept leading back to the British group Gerry and the Pacemakers. Surely these Beatles

The Clayton Brothers - On the Trail

2009-09-28T12:16:00.005-05:00

As you can see by the list below, I am "On the Trail" today. I left the house early and attended a church based job search group that meets at 8:30 am every Monday. Last night I was trying to convince myself to get up extra early and walk first - but it is really DARK at 5:30 am - and so now I have told myself it's okay to wait and walk when I get home tonight. Of course, if I'd REALLY

Glenn Wilson Four to Six

2009-09-24T13:29:00.003-05:00

Glenn Wilson appears to be a quiet man, but I like the sound he makes with the bari sax! Today we tried a new route out in my hood. I think there are about six segments that are uphill and then four segments on the last little bit that are, thankfully downhill. Today is a hot (88) and humid (95%) day. I'm glad we started out early - because by the end I was puffing like the little engine

Miles Davis - Straight No Chaser

2009-09-22T20:41:00.003-05:00

The album Milestones is a classic in every sense of the word. And Straight No Chaser, composed by Thelonious Monk has a long and storied background. This title appeals to me for several reasons today. One is because I hate it when I don't see (understand) someone else's point - or I cannot adequately express mine to change their stance. It issue is me having a bartender use the phrase

Eric Alexander - The Road Song

2009-09-21T19:41:00.002-05:00

Here's Eric covering this famous Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery tune. Here's a lovely rendition by another amateur guitar player. Anyway - I was on the road this weekend. After writing my little ditty about "getting here" on Thursday, I didn't think about it again - until we were on the way to Atlantic Beach. This is the third time in three years I've been down to this beach house. Each

Kyle Eastwood - Live for Life

2009-09-18T12:18:00.002-05:00

Kyle's album Metropolitain (which I've now referenced three times now) "... has one track with lyrics. "Live for Life" allows vocalist Camille to express a poignant message of wishes fulfilled; take interest in yourself and live life as you please. She also raps a chorus in the song's midsection, emphasizing the central thought forcefully. Eastwood's music allows impressions to exist clearly,

Buddy DeFranko - Seven Come Eleven

2009-09-17T16:31:00.004-05:00

Apparently this title refers to a craps table strategy. Of course, since it is numbers - it makes no sense to me, but I really like the song. It is a Benny Goodman/Charlie Christian original. Yesterday - it rained so we didn't walk - but got all my proposals finished plus some supporting documentation completed and turned in. Today it rained, so once again no walk. I have a meeting at 2:00 pm

Terry Clark - Mumbles

2009-09-14T12:06:00.003-05:00

My brother sent me this piece of music. He saw Terry Clark down at UOP when he was in high school and has always remembered the performance. Today I am mumbling 'cause of several things I've found out. But they shall remain mumblings. The weekend was fabulous. There were so many "highlights" - but I think the biggest for me was meeting Randall Kenan. I had no idea he was at the festival - nor

Eumir Deodato Almeida - Also Sprach Zarathustra

2009-09-11T09:37:00.005-05:00

Recognize the song title? I bet you don't. Yet if you click onto this link I bet you will know the song within two notes at second 26.The original was by Strauss. This version by Deodato brings a very Latin Jazz beat to the piece, which is no surprise since Deodato is a Brazilian musician, arranger and composer. I know many of you (or at least two of you) are science fiction fans. So this movie

Dave Tull - I just want to get Paid

2009-09-10T21:38:00.004-05:00

Man o man! Talk about lots to do and not much time! Jason commented at some point, "See, being home or not working doesn't mean just sitting on your butt." That is SO true, I cannot believe it. AND I am so hopeful this will keep up until "the right thing" comes along. However, it's kind of making me nervous at the same time. I'm afraid I'm moving too quick, maybe focusing on the wrong things

John La Barbera - Cloth of Silver, Threads of Blue

2009-09-09T19:22:00.003-05:00

This is a fast pasted "jazzy number". Kind of how my life feels at the moment. I cannot believe how busy I am - and all the things I am trying to get organized and do. I keep telling myself "sooner or later" it's going to slow down. But right now things are moving 100 mph and I don't feel like I'm getting 50% of the things done each day. While I was at the beach, a friend checked up on me - and

Duke Ellington - Perdido

2009-09-05T07:13:00.008-05:00

Donna will get this one immediately. Perdido, I look for my heart it's perdido High was the sun when we first came close Low was the moon when we said adios Perdido, since then has my heart been perdido I know I must go to Torido, that yearning to lose perdido For years, (it seemed) at some point during the year I'd join my Arkansas friends, Kevin and Donna, at the place in Perdido Key. Where I

Dizzy Gillespie - Blue 'n' Boogie

2009-09-03T10:16:00.003-05:00

Well - for a "blue" piece, this certainly moves right along. I made some good headway on Tuesday and Wednesday. One thing surprised me - when I called to remove the TV and stop the land-line, I kind of lost my drive. I ended up going with just the cheapest packages - which is still not in the new budget. So - today with resolve I need to call back and just get it stopped.It was kind of funny - I

A Sudden Twist

2009-09-01T20:43:00.003-05:00

So Monday was the last day of the webinars. Yay! I didn’t really know how to celebrate – and was kind of feeling a drift cause I didn’t know what “the next thing” was going to be. I shouldn’t have worried. Something always comes up, right? So at the end of the day, when the president and the GM walked into the conference room I thought they were going to say, “Good job, but you got to get

Stafano Bollani - Stairway to Heaven

2009-08-28T12:58:00.002-05:00

Since I’m in the seminar right now – I can’t listen to this clip to see if it’s what I heard this morning. What I heard was a trio – (of course a jazz trio) playing Stairway to Heaven. I’m not always a big fan of changing from one genera to another – but it worked okay this time. So – this is very painful – watching/

Bob Florence - I'm all smiles

2009-08-27T12:13:00.001-05:00

Well – not really – but it’s a nice song. Bob Florence is an amazing composer – and this is what “All About Jazz” has to say about his album, “Legendary”. This however DOES make me smile … it’s the lunch I threw together last weekend while I was working on all this Webinar crap. At first I didn’t think I had anything to eat … and then I remembered I had these odds and ins sitting around.

Mark Murphy - Sconsolato

2009-08-26T11:18:00.004-05:00

Sorry - this week has been really hectic - it should be better today and tomorrow. I don't think there'll be a post on Friday - as we'll be holding a North Carolina seminar for work. Hmmm – he really sounds like Frank, doesn’t he? I really like the Bosa Nova feel in the first piece. Not much to report today. Picked up our CSA veggies last night. Peppers, egg plant, and the smallest cucumber I

Mystery Singer - Accentuate the Positive

2009-08-19T08:58:00.002-05:00

So once again the local station didn't go back and announce the signer/band of a song this morning. This particular radio station is also the one that drives me CRAZY with that stupid "I remember when" song sung by Nancy Wilson? EVERY MORNING at 7:06am. Anyway, I immediately recognized the song. It is a well known lyric written by Johnny Mercer. Here's the story of how he came to write it.

Clark Guy - Sis Draper

2009-08-17T21:13:00.005-05:00

The words to the song, "Sis Draper", by Clark Guy are fun And I can totally identify with this line, "She'll play all night if she feels like it have some fruit punch if you spike it" I really like the sound of this ... and YOU will too. Because I SAY SO. **** Today was a rough day. Got in the office early to get set up for the push of the two webinars today. We are continuing to

Dr. Lonnie Smith - Too Hot

2009-08-14T12:06:00.002-05:00

Actually it’s cooler today than it was Monday or Tuesday, but this is a nice mellow song. Dr. Smith is well known here in the triangle and an amazing Hammond B-3 player. His funniest song is “Your Mama’s Got a Complex”. Although this album was produced and released in 2005, I think it has a complete 70s sound to it. Is it just that ANYTHING with a B-3 reminds me of Steve Winwood and my first

Poncho Sanchez - Raise Your Hand

2009-08-12T12:43:00.002-05:00

Yay! It’s Wednesday. FOOD Wednesday. Here’s the best of the most recent cooking and food related content. First – everyone is talking about Michael Pollan’s New York Times Magazine article about cooking. I don’t know why everyone is so hooked on prepared, pre-frozen, drive-thru crap either. Although Jason frequently reminds me that

Bobby Timmons - One Way Street

2009-08-12T05:42:00.004-05:00

I like how “jazzy” this song is. Calling a jazz song “jazzy” is pretty crummy writing, isn’t it? Not much description to distinguish it from any other jazz song, is there? This inability to provide a good description was prevalent Sunday night at 2:15 am when I called the police. It’s not much help when you don’t know which way is N/S/E/W from your house, you forget the name of the street behind

Jake Langley - Cheesecake!

2009-08-11T12:37:00.002-05:00

I started Monday’s post (which didn't get posted) with a huge ‘Happy Birthday’ to my friend Sidonie in California. This is her, on the deck of the cabin at Butte Meadows. Another friend of mine, Eric, and I spent a night on this deck – in a lounge chair – looking up at the stars and listening to the river. There might have been some sleep involved. I’m sure it was

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Calling Miss Khadija

2009-08-07T13:17:00.004-05:00

I can find out no information on Miss Khadija. However, I really like this song. The piano and the upright bass – and then the cymbals join in. It’s a fast moving song … kind of a scurrying feeling to it. Or maybe madly rushing traffic with those trumpets in the background? It’s Friday, can you believe it? I only have one more week to complete TWO webinars. There has been some

Out of this World (Food)

2009-08-05T14:39:00.006-05:00

Eddie Harris and Ellis Marsalis have a song on their album "Homecoming" called Out of this World. I think the album and the song are the perfect description of the food from this weekend. There were a couple of goals we needed to keep in mind with our cooking at this gathering. Although we wanted fabulous food, we didn’t want to spend all day indoors making the food. The first priority was to

Kind of Blue - 'Cause I'm Leaving You

2009-08-03T17:07:00.004-05:00

This weekend Chris and I traveled north to the 1,000 islands area of Upstate New York to meet up with our friend Bob. Ironically, in all the time I've known Bob, I've never given him a nickname.He's asked for one - and I said they just have to suggest themselves to me, I'm not able to manufacture them out of thin air. Within minutes of Bob and his youngest son picking me up - I had a family name

Frank Sinatra - There's a Small Hotel

2009-07-29T12:06:00.003-05:00

Whee – by this time tomorrow I’ll be in the air headed toward Philly. A brief layover and then I’ll be Syracuse bound. Once I get there, we’ll be heading just north of the Jacques Cartier State park – to our “small hotel”. Only it will be better than a hotel – because it’s an old family home. And it has a KITCHEN. I am so excited about this trip. Chris and I were

Dianne Reeves - Loads of Love

2009-07-28T12:25:00.001-05:00

I like the opening of this piece. The bass and the vocalist are just “noodleing” around. She’s got such a crisp delivery too once she starts singing. Each word precisely enunciated. Plus her voice. It’s nice and deep and enveloping. These are my favorite lines from the lyrics: I've got the answer now it's not how

Jimmie Rodgers - Away Out on the Mountain

2009-07-27T15:55:00.004-05:00

Collected memories. Or is it re-collected history? The other day I’d written about Sons of the Pioneers and my association of that song with my dad cooking breakfast. Over the weekend I received an eMail from him. In it he reminisces about his childhood and a few songs that impressed him. He relates some pre-1937 musical memories of his childhood. Here, I’ll let you read his own words: "My

Judy Niemack - Bye Bye Blackbird

2009-07-24T14:21:00.002-05:00

Striving to be distinctive – is a description of Judy Niemack’s work. In Bye Bye Blackbird, we hear a distinctive jazz guitar influenced piece which contrasts with the trumpet fueled version by Miles Davis. Of course this version has every element of a torch song. Baby it’s hot! (Also? Isn’t Julie London “Nurse Dixie McCall” from Emergency? Who knew she could smolder?)

Diana Krall - I'm an Errand Girl for Rhythm

2009-07-23T12:06:00.004-05:00

At four forty-five this morning Jason and I were talking about moods/emotions associated with jazz. The song on the radio was a jaunty tune. It surprised him. For him, jazz is linked to sadness and melancholy - or noir. He says most of this association comes from movies with jazz soundtracks or that feature jazz songs, since he doesn't listen to much (any) jazz radio (except at my house

Peaches - Mommy Complex

2009-07-22T13:08:00.003-05:00

Totally NOT jazz. Jason H.A.T.E.S it. It has me captivated! Part is the beat – kind of a driving – pushing – in your face sort of thing. Then there’s some distortion … and the lyrics. Totally ear catching. I won’t fill this space up with them … but you can click here if you want to read them. I think one of the reasons

Steve Hobbs - Blues For a Way of Life

2009-07-20T12:10:00.005-05:00

This weekend was interesting. I think there are three major points: I felt like a “wife” this weekend. You know – the support crew for the mighty home repair guy. I have never been to the grocery store or the hardware store so many times in my life. What will I do when Jason leaves on Thursday? Jason is getting to know me too well. He made me watch “The Anal Retentive Chef” I thought Phil

Keith Jarrett - Summertime

2009-07-17T12:08:00.002-05:00

Summertime, And the livin' is easy Fish are jumpin' And the cotton is high Keith has done a lot in his lifetime. Most of it seems to be well received. Yesterday was the first presentation of our webinars. To say we were nervous about the reception from our customers would be an understatement.

Mark Murphy - Jump for Joy

2009-07-16T11:39:00.003-05:00

Can I just tell you I have some of the nicest friends? Yesterday when I arrived home from work – Jason TOTALLY had the house ready to go for company. The living room was picked up – the floors were swept – all the tools and home repair stuff were stashed in his room – all the random bits of paper debris were in my room – AND he had the table

Karrin Allyson - "Life is a Groove" (Jordu)

2009-07-15T14:54:00.002-05:00

Stan Getz’s version is the original (although not the original artist/recording) – without lyrics. Later, Chris Caswell added some lyrics. I really like them. Especially when sung by Karrin Allyson and Nancy King. I told you once before, my friend Jordu,

Rob Thorsen - Little Melonae

2009-07-13T12:08:00.005-05:00

Rob is an upright bassist. Here’s what he has to say about this tune. “This is an arrangement I did of one of alto saxophonist Jackie McLean’s more popular compositions. The melody has a certain melodic “quirkiness” about it that really stands out. It also uses many harmonic devices that were a direct departure from the more traditional Bebop harmony Here’s what a critic says, “

Roger Glasper - Maiden Voyage/Everything In Its Right Place

2009-07-10T11:19:00.003-05:00

It seems as my new kick is Trios. The Alex Skolnick Trio, the Esbjörn Svensson Trio (E.S.T.), and the Roger Glasper Trio are my favorites. I see a very strong link between E.S.T. and the Roger Glasper Trio. Although Esbjörn and Roger are both pianists, there’s a forceful percussive element running through their work. It reminds me of driving for some reason. Fast,

Charles Mingus - Moanin'

2009-07-09T10:28:00.003-05:00

There’s a radio show that starts off with this riff. I LOVE this “pfat” beri sax sound. The beri usually stays hidden in the band; just stuck playing whole notes and rhythm. Here it has a chance to shine. There are parts of this song that are difficult for me. The band members wander off into improvisational realms I can’t follow. I frequently think there

Sons of the Pioneers - Cool Water

2009-07-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

There’s a weekend program I love listening to. It’s on the local NPR station and it’s called, “Back Porch Music”. It’s a blend of root, traditional and folk music – with a dash of Celtic, banjo and coffee house sounds. Sunday night, Cool Water came on. I was instantly transported back to my childhood. I closed my eyes, and was disappointed that

Bemsha Swing - Don Cherry & Herbie Hancock

2009-07-07T08:35:00.003-05:00

I have no idea what a “Bemsha” is … I wonder if it’s a gypsy word. It was the “song of the day” for Bob Parlocha’s morning show. The alternative title is, "Softly, As the Morning Comes". (which gives me a little bit of a giggle) Here are three different interpretations of Bemsha Swing: This is Don Cherry and Herbie Hancock and it focus on the horn.

Donald Fagen - Ruby Baby

2009-07-06T12:11:00.003-05:00

This song is soooooo smooth! I think it captures that “hipster” sound of the 50s. Yet it was written and recorded by Donald Fagen – a member of the 70's super group Steely Dan. This music is so “out of place” for the 70s when Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Sex Pistols and David Bowie were pouring out of the radio. And yet … not. The

The Uppity Blues Women - Hungry Woman's Blues

2009-07-03T08:17:00.005-05:00

Chorus: I'm a hungry womanFeed me like I want to be fedYou can feed my bodyBut you really got to feed my head Verse: I'm hungry like a dogAnd like a New York city ratA school of piranasOr a venus fly trapTakes a lot to satisfy meI'll eat your whole menuBut don't you dare forgetYou gotta feed my head too Chorus I'm a hungry womanFeed me like I want to be fedYou can feed my bodyBut you really got

Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - Cottontail

2009-07-02T14:58:00.002-05:00

A complete story with a moral – told at warp speed. It’s fun to hear the genius behind this – but the animation is very irritating. Just close your eyes and listen! The man behind the lyrics is Jon Hendricks, part of the LH & R trio. The song was first performed by Duke Ellington – and it wasn’t until later that Hendricks put these lyrics to the

Alex Skolnick Trio - Goodbye to Romance

2009-07-01T11:50:00.002-05:00

Someone asked how long I’m going to keep up this “music thing”. I think for a while. I find so many links, connections, and inspirations between jazz and writing. Lord knows – there are days when I need all the encouragement I can get. So here are two interesting stories for today. First – the musical story. Once again, a new