Eli's Collection

Charlie's brother is a huge fan and collector of Charlie's work. This is one of the pieces Charlie did about 5 years ago that has been part of Eli's collection. I had no idea what this piece looked like until I went to visit Eli in Baltimore and saw it, it's now my favorite of his 'Urban Red' series.

My 15 mins at Arlene's Grocery

I was a part of a student showcase at Arlene's Grocery last night. It was the most fun I've had in a very long time being on stage. I was energized but mostly freaked out and nervous. But I did it! Surprisingly, chewing gum helped quell the nerves. I got up there and played Amy Winehouse's, I'm No Good, on the drums and it was so fun. Especially with all my friends and family rooting me on and screaming my name at the top of their lungs! I felt like a rock star for a few minutes. I want to say thanks to Stephen for being one of the most motivating teachers I've ever had and the band for always giving their all for all the students. And of course my fans--family and friends--for coming out. You rock!

Charlie's 30th birthday Mexican Adventure 2007

This is an excerpt from my stick figure journal from about a little over a year ago when Charlie and I and friends visited Mexico for his 30th birthday.
You can see our amazement as we finally reached our destination at Hotel Posada Eden Costa at the bottom of the page. And from the winding road on the left side that it was quite a journey to get there!

If Squid Were Flowers

I used watercolor pencils to draw my squid flowers. I gave this piece to my brother in law.

So Much Chicken, So Little Time

I threw this concoction together with some leftover roasted chicken from the other night, crescent rolls, frozen peas, cream cheese, yogurt, curry powder and cumin. I filled some crescent squares and folded over the edges and baked for 15 mins. The salad is a tomato, bean sprout, and red onion salad with a sesame, ginger soy dressing. I didn't feel like slaving over the stove tonight and I wanted to make something quick, easy, tasty, and filling!

Eastover Lamb Stew

My friend Sherri and I hosted a Passover and Greek Easter Party on sunday. We called it Eastover and we had a lot of yummy Eastover foods to eat. Tabouli salad, hummus, falafel, olives, and lamb stew. (I kinda feel bad about eating lamb. I probably wouldn't eat it if I had to kill it myself. Perhaps I'll only eat lamb at Eastover from now on)
But for now, here is my recipe for lamb stew:

3lbs lamb for stew (for 4-5 people)
1 can veggie broth
1 large can of whole tomatoes
1/2 cup of red wine
1 cup of water (or enough to cover the meat)
1 tb of red wine vinegar
2 carrots
3 celery stalks
1/2 red onion
1 leek
2 cloves of garlic
2 big sprigs of rosemary
4 sprigs of thyme
Zest from 1 lemon and juice
1/2 cup of flour
2 tbs olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350° F. Flour and season the lamb with salt and pepper. Place 1 tbs olive oil in cast iron pot. Brown the lamb on both sides on medium heat. Take the lamb out and place the other tbs of olive oil in pot. Add veggies and cook for a couple of minutes. Then add the wine, veggie broth and 1 can of tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then add the red wine vinegar, rosemary, thyme, and lemon. Add a little more salt and pepper and place the lamb back in the pot. Put 1 cup of water in the pot or enough to cover the meat. Put the lid on and place in the oven for 2 1/2 hrs. until tender.

Koi Chair

It's almost there. Charlie and I have to paint it first, then it's done! But at least the reupholstering part is done. It was surprisingly easy. It was way harder to remove all the old layers of fabric and plastic from the wood. We're not sure what color to go for yet. Any suggestions are welcome! :D The colors on the fabric are teal, red, yellow and black.