Monday, August 29, 2011

New Leaves

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I started a pottery class. Wheel throwing 101 ;)

Yes: I have fantasies of being Edith Heath (fellow Iowan gal) and Beatrice Wood (SoCal artist who did not really even start producing her beautiful, unique and now immensely sought-after pottery until she was in her 40's. I'm 38).

I keep joking with my friends, somewhat half-seriously, that everyone I know shall be receiving wonky clay pots from me for the holidays. I'll stick some nice succulents in them, or if I'm inclined to make some tea cups- pair my creations with some dried mint & lemon balm from our garden.


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Pictured: Gluten-free breakfast: Steel cut oatmeal with cinnamon, raw honey, almond milk, banana and berries, 1/2 cup coffee with almond milk, hardboiled egg.

I'm trying to eat gluten-free. I won't go so far as to say that I have a wheat allergy and that's why I'm doing this, but friends, maybe it is psychosomatic...some kind of placebo effect... I must admit since I have cut down on the wheat I feel my mood, digestion, sleep and energy has improved. I had to try something. I was feeling bad. I'm also trying to eliminate drinking alcohol, caffeine and eating refined sugar - which has helped greatly, too.

Trying to eat protein with every meal- which is difficult- since I don't like to eat a lot of meat.

If anyone knows of a great gluten-free blog/ website/ recipe--I'd love it if you'd pass them along.


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Not really a new leaf, but sometimes it's good to try new things as a couple. We had a little date and ate at Raffi's Place last night for the first time. It was delicious. The place is huge- most of it in an open courtyard. I had the Chicken Koobideh--so good!! We ended our meal with fresh mint tea with plenty of lemon & sugar (I'm not perfect).

In addition to the enjoying the food, the parade of people that passed through the courtyard was amazing. Even though this is a very casual place, many of the women there were dressed to the hilt. Turbans and boldly patterned dresses, designer shoes and bags, leopard print caftans embellished with turquoise. In other words: totally over- the- top- Awesome. I thought I was overdressed when I left the house- wearing a sundress & heels--but no. Not compared to these elegant ladies. I blended in- if anything I was underdressed!

Now that the summer is coming to a close, what's upcoming & new for you?


15 comments:

ilana kohn said...

pottery class, exciting! can't wait to see what you make!

i'm definitely intrigued by the gluten free diet idea as well. i haven't been feeling so hot myself lately, maybe this would be a good idea. if you come across any good recipes, etc. do share!

Anonymous said...

i need some fall motivation/inspiration. this hot weather has got me all down and out!

way to go on the gluten-free. that's dedication.

oh, i've told you about 101cookbooks.com, right? lots of gluten-free, wheat-free recipes on there.

xoxo

Belinda said...

I love that a fantastic artist didn't start practising her art until she was 40. It gives me hope for new skills that I learn. A friend of mine's mother starting painting when she was 70 and she just had her first solo exhibition - her work is great!

People will love your wonky pots for gifts. Especially with succulents in them - wonky pots with succulents are so hot right now.

liz said...

I'm starting to try and eat gluten free too, its been improving my skin! So much more energy.

PS I got your package today with the fabric. So pretty!!!

BUILDING BLOCK said...

xiem! brings back fond memories :)

Jennifer said...

Ilana, thanks- will share for sure if I come across some good recipes.

Joanna- Dude. I know. This weather sucks.
Better than a tropical storm though...
Hopefully it will be cooler by Wed. night!!
xx

Belinda- I will definitely inform my friends about the hotness of their holiday gifts! Ha- it's so true though!

Liz- yay! Thanks & you are welcome. Glad you received your remnants. That was so fast! I just sent them Saturday. Sometimes the USPS gets it right.

Ms. Building Block! I did not know you used to live here (?) or knew Xiem! I love it so far. I must find out more about you!
I continue to be enamored with your creations!!

Agata Melnyk said...

hello i found your blog by clicking "next blog" from mine on blogspot. I realy like it, i think it's one of the best witch i have found :)

have nice day!

Agata

jenny gordy said...

i started ceramics classes too! last week! the wheel is hard. i suck. : )

emily said...

3 excellent gluten free recipe blogs:

http://mynewroots.blogspot.com/
http://www.affairsofliving.com/
http://www.nourishingmeals.com/

making changes like this can be hard but they're often totally worth the struggle :) good luck!

emily said...

ps - totally love your work!
pps - and yours too, ilana!

Anne-Marie said...

That is so cool that you are starting a pottery class! I'm looking forward to seeing what you make, wonky or not - your color sense and taste for texture will be something. I'm not surprised you feel better going gluten free, you don't have to have a gluten allergy/disease to feel better with less of it. It has a natural insecticide that over time can make you feel like crap. (possibly oversimplified explanation but I'm trying to figure this out in my own diet, and me and quinoa, no good.) I can't live without the Wholefoods app/website. You can do searches for gluten free recipes and they have many. There is a cookbook that talks about the proper preparation of grains, I can't remember what it's called but I can find out, that is if you don't already have it!

jennifer said...

I so look forward to seeing what you make. I loved my time taking ceramics, I wish I still could. I never quite mastered the wheel but I really enjoyed hand-building, so it was ok.

Jen said...

Try edibleperspective.com. A lot of good gluten-free and meat-free recipes. Also, it's a fun read.

kay w. said...

wheel throwing is so much fun. i had a good friend who was pursuing her mfa at cal state and i'd hop in every once in awhile just to use their ceramics studio, and man, does that clay whoop your behind.

BUILDING BLOCK said...

hello again--yes, I lived in LA for 7+ years! It's so nice to see your photos of my old neighborhood..hope to visit home soon :)