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Sunday, February 22, 2009

buying local

About a week or so ago, while doing my weekly shopping at Whole Foods, I stopped in the ice cream section to pick up some more gelato. It wasn't a particularly cold weekend then, which is why gelato didn't seem like such a crazy idea. But while looking over the selection, deciding if I wanted to try a new flavor, I saw a little note underneath one shelf of ice cream: Local brand!

And what struck me were the flavors. There was orange chocolate chip (which is what I ended up buying) and rice pudding, and unfortunately I can't recall the other flavors but they were just as unique. It was the first instance where the local product really caught my attention. I think in the past I've bought some local produce before, and of course the farmer's market in my area each week, but it never really jumped out at me. I think what did it was the uniqueness of the flavors.

And of course...the ice cream was delicious! I don't recall the name of the brand, only that it was from Manassas, and it's definitely one I'll pick up again. About a year ago I'd started following a blog, Local Feast, which at the time was a seasonal experiment. And then I don't think I've really become aware of any such organization, but in NW Montana, there is a Buy Local organization with a logo to really get its point across and increase the recognition of local products and local businesses in the area. It kind of reminds me of the USDA organic labels. At one glance you know it's organic and will pick it up, if that's what you're shopping for of course. And of course the website will list the members so if you're shopping for something specific, and know you want to buy local, then take a look at the businesses.

I think part of the appeal is of course boosting local economies and even getting to know the local businesses on a personal basis. But also...as I discovered with the ice cream, there's more room for experimentation, which is fun. Rice pudding flavored ice cream?

Ah, after a quick search, I did see something in this area: Local First DC, for one. And others that a quick search will yield.

Monday, February 16, 2009

review: just listen by sarah dessen

Some of you may know that I have been reading more and more Young Adult fiction while working on my own writing, and while looking for more reads, particularly those that are talked about a lot to see what works and how certain issues are addressed, there are several writers who come up repeatedly. I read this book a couple of weeks ago after hearing much about Sarah Dessen. And I think that this was a great introductory book to her writing.



Just Listen is the story about Annabel Greene, a girl who, from the outside, came from a close-knit, happy family, was part of the in-group at school and also modeled part-time. But things are not what they seem, and after what appears to be a misunderstanding, Annabel is no longer friends with her "best" friend, and finds herself alone, in part self-imposed. And then there's her family, her beautiful, middle sister who has an eating disorder no one will talk about at first, or face. And rather than bring these topics up, or tell her friends what really happened last spring, Annabel seems to tell herself that, in a way, its better this way.

And then there's Owen. The school loner who she begins to become friends with and who ultimately helps her open up and tell people what's happening, when before she claimed she was only "being nice." And that's a moment I know I've had, when you really should say something, but you don't.

What I liked about Just Listen, other than the writing of course, which was brilliant and fresh, but was the aspect of music. Owen is a music fiend, he loves it and constantly has it playing, saying that it saved him back during his rough time. While I can't pinpoint any moment where I started listening to music more, I did relate. I love music and find the static silence near unbearable. Who knows how many times I've had to put in either my angsty rock music or some Fiona Apple or Tori Amos, and then of course my dance music. And in the evenings to unwind, its either some lounge or classical. But I could definitely relate to the music and the need for its presence.

The writing, as I mentioned earlier, is fantastic. And there's great character development, especially with Annabel but also her sisters and new friends (and some old friends too). Whitney's change was subtle, which it would be if it happened to my sister and me too. Little changes that eventually add up, even if you don't quite notice them as they're taking place. And no matter what age group you're writing for or reading, it's those little things that really make a story real.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

valentine's day

When I was growing up, holidays were always a big thing in the house. And not like big, party big, but there was always...something for the holidays, even the smaller ones like Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day. You know, of course we did things for Christmas, Easter and Halloween. But for Valentine's Day, what I remember is that my parents would put little Hershey kisses around the house, and divide up the rooms between my sister and me. When she and I woke up, we'd get to search through our respective rooms for our kisses (and for anyone who is unfamiliar with the whole sibling rivalry thing...having lets say three rooms each ensured that we'd get the same number of kisses).

Last year, flying back from California, I had an unexpected layover in Texas over the President's Day weekend. I first had a four hour layover where my Mom picked me up and took me out to lunch, but when I got back to the airport, I learned that my next flight was oversold and they were asking people to volunteer to give up their seats. Ordinarily it doesn't seem like such a great idea, but an extra, unexpected night back home? Sign me up!

When I got home that night and poured a glass of wine in the kitchen, I saw a Hershey kiss perched on the side of the kitchen counter on a small shelf with some of my Mom's collectibles. My reaction? "Oh my gosh, you're still doing this?!" After all, this was my first Valentine's back home for about six or seven years. I thought it was so awesome that she still put kisses around for my sister. And...when I woke up the next morning, more kisses had appeared throughout the house for me. Granted, my sister and I no longer have to divide up the rooms.

There are some things you just don't get too old for. And while she's no longer able to hide kisses around the house, or my tiny little apartment, I did receive a little package in the mail the other day with a handful of kisses inside. I almost feel the urge to place them along my bookshelves and cabinets, to pick one up whenever I need a little bite-sized piece of chocolate.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

rare footage of arctic unicorns

One of the many things I wanted to be while growing up was a marine biologist. I was fascinated by whales and used to check out all the books on whales at the local library when I was little, studying what I could on my own. And even though much of that knowledge has faded away in the last fifteen years, I've still held a fascination with these giant, graceful creatures.

Because they are giant and incredibly graceful.

So I was extremely happy to see this article on the BBC earlier, and to take a look at one of the species I wasn't able to find a lot of information on: 'Arctic unicorns' in icy display.

And I've even thought of what kind of stories I could craft around marine biologists just to delve back into that research and create the career that maybe could have been. I know it would definitely be fun to imagine it.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

teaser

Those of us in the District were teased yesterday, and for a good part of today, with the weather. We were given a taste of what Spring will be like when it's here, and I don't know about you, but it made my mouth water for more. Yesterday was one of those days where I just love living here. I went out and window shopped to enjoy the weather, stopped in at Borders, and...I don't know, when I came out and headed up the street...I just felt so good. Maybe it was the way the sunlight reflected off the glass buildings, or the very faint breeze, or the sunshine on my skin again.

One thing I've come to discover about living in the mid-Atlantic is that I really am a sunshine kind of girl. In Texas, I used to love cloudy weather. But now...I crave my sunshine. I don't know, maybe it was those four years in sunny California that did it.

And so I kept my fingers crossed getting ready for work this morning, just hoping that Phil would not see his shadow. But it was not to be. So...I am trying to think positive thoughts about six more weeks of winter. Six more weeks of hot chocolate and staying warm under my down comforter while watching a movie, six more weeks of curling up with a great book, six more weeks where these gem of a day will be even better than a breath of fresh air...

Still...I also try to think that it had to have been cloudy somewhere today, right? Some groundhog had to not see his shadow. Maybe that one will be more accurate. Because...I can still do my reading at a coffeehouse outside in the sun with a glass of iced soy chai...and that would be just as nice.