Sous la neige

Is there any better way to wake up than see snow-covered trees and lawns?  Could anything be better than glittering white snow?  It looks so pure and clean.  To my delight, I woke up this morning and found that the dusting of snow that started night before had turned into 5 inches of effulgent white powder.  I knew at first glance at the window that today was going to be a good day.

Indeed it was.  I started the day off by reading the paper in bed.  Much to my dismay the news was nothing to smile about but that is the norm.  My father brewed coffee and I joined him for a cup with a steamy cup of oatmeal.  Mmm mmm good.  I spent the rest of the morning in front of my computer looking for job opportunities.  I also signed up for a French meeting group.  It seems promising unlike the jobs available at the moment.  Times do seem quite dismal round here.

In France I had employment.  I taught English as a foreign language to kids and adults.  It wasn't the steadiest of work but it was fun and paid me enough.  Unemployment is a novelty to me.  I have to work so this non-working existence is at times a doozy.  Like I said before I have to figure out what to do with my time so that I feel it's not totally wasted.

Thus, I took it upon myself to start the job hunt despite a lack of vehicle.  That situation should ameliorate itself shortly.  In the meantime, it doesn't hurt to look around and generate ideas for different opportunities.  I scoured jobs at indeed.com and craigslist.org.  I also put pen to paper and came up with various freelance stunts I could do like starting a bake stand, tutoring kids or becoming a substitute teacher.  "Seek and you shall find" or so they say!

After what seemed endless hours of searching, my friend surprised me with an invite to see "Black Swan" directed by Darren Aronofsky.  Little by little our little group of four turned into seven at the Carolina Theater and we embarked on a ballerina's journey of violent transformation.  We were all breathless and astonished at the end of the movie.  I haven't felt so good after a movie since "Memento" many years ago.  It's like an adrenaline-rushing roller coaster that you want to ride again immediately after it's over.  That movie was like a breath of fresh air.

My walk in the snow earlier in the day, although not a parallel feeling, was an equally enjoyable experience.  This day has truly been full of many happy moments.  I would be lying if I didn't include the fact that my brain wanders constantly to negative thoughts about love, career, family and life in general.  Those run constant like a reel of film in my mind.  I had to do some yoga to quiet my mind and it worked.

I was rewarded again in the evening with a beautifully simple meal of sauteed tilapia and garlic green beans and mushrooms.  Finally, my Dad made a light meal.  Hallelujah!  And now I fill the rest of my evening with writing and reading.  It could be worse.  I hope that tomorrow will be filled with just as much or more goodness as today offered.  Signing off.

Being an artisan

Aka DIY.  I like to think that making something with your own hands and creativity is a whole lot more satisfying than buying it.  Nothing seems to bring me more pleasure than putting some ingredients together and ending up with a beautiful and delicious pie to share with friends or family.  I used to love making my own jewelry as a kid.  I even remember one time in elementary school when we got to weave baskets.  That was one of my favorite days.  At present I have plenty of time on my hands so I've decided to do more cooking and baking from scratch.

Presently, I've decided to perfect my pie-dough making skills.  When I lived in France I tried to make dough one time since pre-made dough is very easy to find and acts as a perfectly good substitute for home-made dough.  It's also very inexpensive.  There's pâte sablée, pâte brisée, and pâte feuilletée.  Each one costs about 1.20 euros.  The first is a more buttery, sugar cookie type crust used for dessert pies.  The second is a dough that works for both sweet and savory tarts - the classic pie dough.  The last is a layered dough similar to filo dough.  I've used it to make mostly savory tarts.

Miraculously (it seems to me), I recently made a batch of pâte brisée using a recipe from www.joyofbaking.com.  It was so delicious and easy to do.  I don't think I'll ever go back to store bought unless I need to whip out a pie and don't have the ingredients to make the dough.  The bottom line is that when you do it yourself you have the ability to choose the ingredients and make it fresh.  It truly does taste a whole lot better.

Now today I haven't planned to make a pie.  Instead, I'll be trying a recipe for sweet potato coffee cake.  It sounds delectable.  I spent the entire day hanging out with my father and mother.  Although it is so nice to be with them, I like the down time in the kitchen when I'm alone.  It is a happy moment to create a sweet treat step-by-step and be so satisfied with the final result.  At least that's the plan.

What have you done today that has made you happy?  It's Christmas which usually is a happy occasion. I hope it has been an enjoyable day whether if you've been alone or with family or friends.  Merry Christmas.

Waking up is happiness

Each day is a chance to start fresh.  If your heart is beating, your eyes open and your limbs move then no matter how bad yesterday was, this new day is a happy beginning.  I find the start of the day like a clean slate.  I remember how miraculous it is to be alive and that's good reason for rejoicing.  I also remember that I have the power to do all I can to make the best of the day ahead.  I start by thinking about what will make me happy today.  I make a mental list and try to organize my day in such a way that makes happiness attainable.  It could mean having a delicious salad for lunch, taking a walk or watching a movie I've wanted to see for months.  The simpler the better.  And truthfully it's the little things that make me happiest and I need to be happy.

My struggle these days is re-adapting to life back in America after years living in Europe.  Jobless, carless, and back at home with a little less than nothing to do, each day seems daunting.  I ask myself all the time "what should I do today?".  I sing a little when I have to run an errand or meet a friend.  Cooking and baking have rescued me from countless hours I could waste in front of the TV or the Internet.  Human contact has become essential just as exercise has saved me from depressing thoughts or worries.   I look to the most simple things to stay happy and sane, two qualities I regard very highly.  Be it as it may, being happy most of the time is hard.

So why have I decided to start a blog?  Well, this blog has started for a few reasons.  First, it will give me something to do (Fantastique!!!).  Second, it will give me a place to write which has always been a therapeutic tool.  Third and most importantly, it will allow me to share all the wonderful things that make me happy with others so that they too may join me in the hunt for happiness.  It is a difficult at times but I know it is possible.  Just remember what makes you smile.  Find it, smell it, touch it, do it or remember it.  Ultimately, it's up to you.